Client: Oakland Cultural Affairs Commission

Overview

Two Sculptural Archways that welcome residents and motorists, the MacArthur Gateway Arches is a successful example of placemaking with public art. Two archways span a major thoroughfare, creating an inviting visual gateway to the Eastmont neighborhood and enhancing the experience of traversing the two intersections.

Steel, Paint, H: 24’ W: 50’ D: 1’ , 2019 , Oakland Arts Commission, Oakland, CA

Goals

The goal of the project was to demarcate and create an inviting gateway to and from the Eastmont neighborhood of Oakland, a diverse, dynamic and rapidly evolving section of Oakland.

Process

Collaborating with the Oakland Arts Council and City Council members was challenging and rewarding. After several iterations of designs I proposed a design that was 'timeless', that is, a design that was not subject to the changes in the community over the coming years and decades. The oak leaf is the cental theme of the design, connecting the work to Oakland's past and symbol.

Additional Information

The MacArthur Gateway Arches is a successful example of public art in placemaking; before the arches were installed the two intersections were much like other intersections in the Eastmont neighborhood. Once they were intstalled, the arches became beacons that create and inviting quality to motorists and pedestrians alike.