Auburn council gives conceptual approval to Highway 49 roundabout sculpture, encourages fundraising

The Auburn City Council on March 9 voted to approve in concept a proposed public-art installation for the Highway 49 roundabout, clearing the way for fundraising and submission to Caltrans for final approval. April Maynard, chair of the Auburn Arts Commission, told council the selection process used an objective rubric and that Deanna Marsh Studio’s leaf-based design ranked highest among eight proposals.

"The Marsh proposal was just definitely the appropriate choice," Maynard said, noting an anonymous scoring panel and a public-selection process. Artist Deanna Marsh described the Toyon-leaf motif as "an abundant, resilient native form" intended to reflect the canyon, river and wildlife that draw people to Auburn.

City staff warned the design cannot include text inside the roundabout (Caltrans policy) and explained staff will pursue gateway signage elsewhere to display the city name. The Arts Commission and the project team said the sculpture would be funded entirely by private donations; the concept budget is about $250,000. Donations currently route to the city and, if above council-approval thresholds, will be accepted by council. The arts commission noted one early donor and said auburnca.art will host project information and donation instructions.

Several council members praised the local artist team and urged staff to press for timely Caltrans review; staff said the proposal was submitted to Caltrans in October and remains under review. Councilmember (speaker 3) moved to approve the concept and Mayor Kelly Davis seconded; the motion passed with council support.

Next steps: staff will finalize the concept documents for Caltrans and the Arts Commission will begin a fundraising campaign to cover the estimated cost. Final design and installation remain contingent on Caltrans approvals and successful fundraising.