Orinda's Art in Public Places Committee will weigh murals for two Highway 24 locations, repairs to a popular downtown sculpture, and new artwork for Crossroads Plaza when it meets Monday, July 20, at 3:30 p.m. in the May Room of the Orinda Library.

The seven-member committee, chaired by Rich Thompson, will review a draft Request for Proposals to hire an artist or artist team for the city's Transportation Art Program. The city has received preliminary approval from Caltrans to install murals at the Camino Pablo underpass beneath the Highway 24 bridges and on a pedestrian bridge above the westbound Highway 24 off-ramp entering Orinda, according to a staff report prepared by Cole Haselip, assistant to the city manager.

The RFP would evaluate applicants on artistic quality (30%), demonstrated experience (30%), project approach (25%), and cost (15%). The selected artist would develop conceptual designs for both sites before submitting a formal proposal to Caltrans for final approval.

The Camino Pablo underpass offers retaining wall panels roughly 12 feet wide with heights up to about 10 feet above grade. The pedestrian bridge walkway spans approximately 100 feet.

Thompson, an engineer who designs and installs signage for each ArtSpace Orinda sculpture, was named the Orinda Community Foundation's 2024 Citizen of the Year for his work on the committee. "Besides, I'm retired. I have the time," he told The Orinda News in October 2024, explaining his dedication to the program that has placed outdoor sculpture across Orinda since 2007.

The committee will also vote on spending funds to repair "Surfboard Seat," a sculpture by artist Wes Horn at 76 Moraga Way. The staff report does not specify the nature of the damage or the repair cost.

Another agenda item asks members to consider issuing a Call for Proposals for artwork at Crossroads Plaza, the triangular park at Camino Pablo and Brookwood Road that marks the entrance to Orinda off Highway 24. The city council rejected all five bids for a $240,000 renovation of the plaza in March after confusion over bidding qualifications, according to the Lamorinda Weekly. That renovation would add landscaping, walkway lighting, and a "Welcome to Orinda" sign approved by the council in November 2025.

Residents can attend the meeting in person at 26 Orinda Way or submit written comments in advance to [email protected]. Speakers are limited to three minutes each.

The next regular APPC meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, at 3:30 p.m.