"Public art has been produced throughout the ages," according to Irene Kennedy, writing for nonprofit RiseUP Group and its RiseUP for Arts project. "On countless continents scattered across the Earth, for as far as records can account, people have been etching illustrations and messages onto public exteriors."

Public Art Enriches Region

Today outdoor installations, both temporary and permanent, are perhaps the most common form of public art, which also includes works displayed inside public and cultural buildings. Outdoor installations often take the form of murals and sculptures. Some of the public artworks located throughout the Tri-Valley are the result of corporate art programs. Others have come about because of art-loving  philanthropists and public city officials. Whatever its origin, there is ample art on display in the Tri-Valley.

The City of Livermore, for example, has more than 40 pieces of public artworks throughout its downtown area and at its airport. They include more than 20 pieces of statuary, including the Puffed Up Prince and Puffed Up Princess near Pine Street. Indoor art can be seen at the Livermore City Hall, Civic Center Library, the Livermore Police Department, and Multi-Service Center. Livermore also offers nearly 20 utility box murals to enjoy, as well as several larger murals. They include the Firehouse Mural, the Livermore Valley Heritage Mural, and the Wine Country Wall.

Other Tri-Valley cities also value public art. Dublin's Public Art program first began in the late 1980s, shortly after Dublin's incorporation, as a partnership between the City of Dublin and the nonprofit Dublin Fine Arts Foundation, according to city officials. "The foundation contracted with an art consultant and raised funds to purchase and commission public artwork, which was then gifted to the City for placement at City facilities." There is also "a growing number of public art pieces installed on private property under the Public Art Ordinance."

Dublin's Public Art Program allows residents to "enjoy museum quality art right in their own backyard," officials say. More than 30 publicly owned artworks are placed at parks and civic buildings. One of them is Arachnicat, a sculpture by artist Colin Selig. The City of Dublin's official description calls it "a whimsical biomorphic sculpture climbing up out of the adjacent creek to explore Clover Park. Arachnicat is a playful, brightly colored focal point for the park which can be enjoyed visually from multiple angles at ground level and from the switchback trail and hillside above. Arachnicat is designed for tactile human interaction. Incorporated between the legs are three seating surfaces, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to sit and relax. The sculpture is extremely eco-friendly since it's made entirely from repurposed scrap steel propane tanks, regionally sourced in the Central Valley." 

Pleasanton Launches New Public Art Map

The City of Pleasanton has nearly 70 unique pieces in its Public Art Collection, purchased through a combination of City funding and community donations. The collection includes sculptures, murals, and installations "that celebrate the intersection of art and community, enriching public spaces for all to enjoy," according to city officials. Sculptures include Monet's Bench by artist Gary Lee Price and Windsong by artist Greg Hawthorne.

Recently, the City of Pleasanton launched an interactive Public Art Map that was developed through a collaboration between the Library and Recreation Department, the City's Information Technology Department, and other city staff. The map, which can be viewed on any mobile device, is the result of a shared vision between City of Pleasanton staff, community leaders, and the Civic Arts Commission to expand access to Pleasanton's public art collection. 

For years, officials say, there has been a strong interest in creating a digital catalog that would make it easier for residents and visitors to explore, appreciate, and engage with the art that enriches Pleasanton's community spaces. The new map makes discovering Pleasanton's public art collection simple and engaging. Users can browse locations using the geographic information systems map, view photos of each piece, and see key details such as the artist's name and the materials used. The Public Art Map increases community connection to art by making it accessible to everyone, anytime, according to officials, who say it serves "as both an educational tool and an invitation for residents and visitors to experience the cultural richness of Pleasanton in person."

Officials plan to keep the Public Art Map updated as new works are commissioned or installed. Most recently, on July 15, 2025, the City Council approved the Don Lewis Harmonic Symphony project, which will be added to the map once completed. Looking ahead, staff are also exploring opportunities to enhance the map with additional features, such as thematic art trails or expanded search options, to further enrich the public's experience.

"The Public Art Map has opened up new ways for our community to connect with Pleasanton's collection, and we're excited to keep it growing," says Rachel Prater, Recreation Manager for the City of Pleasanton.

The ability to experience art locally is growing in other ways as well. Pleasanton resident Lewis Liu recently opened a nonprofit art gallery and cafe, called Latte Da Vinci, on Main Street. Latte Da Vinci members are looking for volunteers to assist with various assignments and roles. Next month, there should be a schedule for art classes and workshop listings. There will also be rotating art exhibits. 

"Latte Da Vinci is a co-op based nonprofit organization," according to Kayelani Hudson, who says she is acting as a main point of contact for the venue on a volunteer basis. The co-op plans to make the space available for private events and workshops. Members also hope to partner with other local organizations and schools. An Art Salon just outside the gallery doors encourages community members to "work on art or sit and chat," Hudson says. 

Memberships are encouraged but individuals can benefit from Latte Da Vinci without becoming members, notes Hudson. "Those interested in being part of our community are not required to be members. Our workshops and exhibits are open to non-members as well. We want everyone to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art."

For more information about public art in the City of Livermore, please visit www.livermoreca.gov/departments/innovation-economic-development/arts/public-art.

For more information about the city-owned public art collection in the City of Dublin, please visit dublin.ca.gov/2185/City-Owned-Public-Art-Collection.

For more information about public art in the City of Pleasanton and to use the Public Art Map, please visit www.firehousearts.org/public-art.

For more information about Latte Da Vinci, please visit www.lattedavinci.net.

Photo by Dave Parizek on Unsplash