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Auburn council approves concept for Highway 49 roundabout sculpture; fundraising to follow
Summary
Council gave conceptual approval to a leaf‑inspired roundabout sculpture by Deanna Marsh Studio and authorized staff to proceed with fundraising and submission to Caltrans for final approval; the project is privately funded and estimated at about $250,000.
The Auburn City Council voted to approve in concept a public artwork for the new Highway 49 roundabout, clearing the way for the Auburn Arts Commission and the artist team to begin fundraising and to submit the proposal to Caltrans for final project approval.
April Maynard, chair of the Auburn Arts Commission, summarized a competitive selection process that drew eight proposals. She said an evaluation panel scored proposals using a rubric and identified Deanna Marsh Studio’s leaf‑inspired design as the top choice. Members of the selected team described a concept based on the native Toyon plant — three leaf forms incorporating silhouettes depicting canyon life, river recreation and local wildlife.
Staff noted the roundabout itself is a Caltrans facility and that Caltrans retains final authority over any freestanding structure; city staff said Caltrans’ project development manual prohibits text (for example, the city name) on freestanding roundabout sculptures, so staff proposed developing separate gateway signage to include “Auburn” if the council desires civic identification. Staff estimated the sculpture would cost about $250,000 and has no state or local funding; the Arts Commission will pursue private fundraising and donations to the city.
Council members praised the selection process and the local artist team, and then approved the motion to accept the concept and allow staff to move forward with fundraising and Caltrans submission. The motion passed by roll call.
