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La Mesa council approves ARPA-funded public art program, selects crosswalk designs, mural, utility wraps and sculptures
Summary
Council approved artist selections for a $250,000 artist-to-work public art program funded with ARPA dollars: two crosswalk designs, one pool mural, 20 utility wraps and eight pole-mounted sculptures, with final installation details subject to site feasibility and installation costs.
La Mesa — The City Council voted May 12 to move forward with the city’s artist-to-work public art program, allocating ARPA funds and approving recommended artist selections across four categories: crosswalk art, a mural, utility box wraps and pole-mounted sculptures.
Staff told the council the program received 47 submissions across categories and recommended finalists after Arts and Culture Commission review. For crosswalk art staff recommended and the council approved designs by Shannon Fulton and Anna Pearson, intended near schools and locations selected for recent pavement work; council members noted that final installation may require minor design adjustments to meet roadway safety and thermoplastic installation standards.
The council selected an Anna Pearson mural for the MacArthur Park municipal pool enclosure, citing compatibility with the recreational setting. Council also approved installation of 20 utility box vinyl wraps and eight pole-mounted sculptures, with sculpture displays slated October 2026 through September 2028 and site selection to prioritize visibility, safety and equitable distribution across maintenance zones.
Council Member Patricia Dillard and other members emphasized criteria for public art funded by taxpayer dollars: beautification, broad appeal, and avoidance of designs likely to generate community backlash. Staff noted final installation costs are still being evaluated and that depending on pricing, scope or number of installations may be adjusted.
Votes on the art program were recorded by roll call: the chosen crosswalk designs were approved (one crosswalk vote carried 4–1; the second crosswalk and the mural, utility wraps and sculptures passed unanimously). Council asked staff to coordinate final installation logistics and ensure safety compliance for crosswalk thermoplastic applications.
What’s next: Staff will finalize contracts, confirm installation scopes within available funding, coordinate thermoplastic installation feasibility near school zones, and return to council with any scope adjustments and timelines.
