The Plan encourages the expansion of “public art through the Heart of Fairfield in order to highlight the City’s rich history and unique businesses.” It outlines sixteen (16) strategies. The Pilot incorporates four (4) of these points:

• Work with property owners and the Fairfield Main Street Association to identify key areas/locations in front of the landmark buildings and at interactions where art created by local artists can be showcased;

• Integrate public art, landscape elements, and seating to soften and enliven the underutilized plaza space at the Fairfield Community Theater;

• Further enhance the median islands along Madison Street with additional sculptural element and other opportunities for art installations;

• Incorporate wall elements that enliven street facades.

Strategy

Staff recommends a mural as the medium for the Pilot. Murals are common for public art and are “shovel-ready.” They can be installed in a relatively short amount of time across a multitude of surfaces. Murals are naturally conspicuous and attract attention to the area. Overall costs can adjust to the budget based on the desired quality of the end product. Lastly, the mural artist can involve volunteers from the community (emerging artists, young adults, and youth) to help paint and complete the project.

Staff identified four (4) priorities for this pilot:

1. The mural must represent a theme tied to the culture, history, and/or people of Fairfield;

2. The artist must have local connections to Solano County in their education, family, and/or art career;

3. The mural must align with the Plan’s goal to revitalize Downtown Fairfield;

4. The mural must involve the participation of the community: business owners, community groups, local artists, and youth.


Easement

To install a mural on private property the City must obtain an access easement to the exterior wall of a commercial building. Access easements are agreements between property owners and the City that allow the City the right to use the property. Staff need the agreement to install the mural, protect it from unauthorized modifications, and maintenance access (vandalism, graffiti, and/or repair).

Placement

Staff identified the intersection of Madison and Texas Street as a key strategic placement site for the pilot mural. The Fairfield Community Theater’s parking and exits lead out to Madison St. and the Mosaic Poppy sculpture stands at the median island immediately north of the intersection. Staff recommend two (2) exterior walls as options: see Attachment: Placement Site Options.

Schedule

April 2021 - Assemble Ad Hoc Committee, Obtain Access Easements, Publish Call-to-Artists

May 2021 - Select Artist and Mural Design, Call for Volunteers

June 2021 - Install Mural

July 2021 - Dedication Ceremony/Event ahead of July 4th Parade