Santa Rosa committee approves 'Aloft' micromural for Lower Colgan Creek restoration

The Santa Rosa Arts & Public Places Committee on Feb. 3 voted unanimously to approve the purchase, placement and design of a small mural titled “Aloft” for the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project.

Meredith, a Water Department staff member presenting the item, told the committee that the recommended action was “to approve the purchase, placement, and design of the artwork Aloft for the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project.” She said the work is part of a larger, $4,400,000 Urban Streams Restoration Program grant from the California Department of Water Resources and that $10,000 from that grant has been identified for the bridge mural with contingency funds to come from the city’s stormwater and creeks program; long‑term maintenance could come from the public art fund.

The design presented names Alina Neubel of Conservation Works as the proposed artist and describes the bridge installation as marine‑grade plywood panels sealed and coated with an anti‑graffiti finish, attached to the existing chain‑link fence and guardrail with extruded‑aluminum supports. Staff characterized the panels’ expected lifespan as roughly 10–20 years depending on environmental exposure.

Committee members asked site‑specific and design questions before the vote. Members discussed adding suggestive water‑flow lines to reflect the creek’s movement and asked about panel size and nearby streetscape improvements such as crosswalks. Meredith said the city’s water team — which could not attend the meeting — would be asked to return with more detail on site conditions and project coordination. On timing, staff said contracts are in routing and installations are hoped for in the summer, with project work allowed through 2027.

Kristen Kiefer moved to approve the Aloft mural project; Lisa seconded. Chair Jeff Nathanson recorded the motion as passing unanimously.

The committee’s approval authorizes moving forward with the contract and installation steps; staff indicated contingency and maintenance responsibilities will be handled through the stormwater/creeks team and the public art fund as needed.