The Office of Arts and Culture works with County agencies to develop and execute public art projects. These projects have been completed over the last few years providing beauty and joy to our communities.
Causeway Mural Project, 2025, Contemplative Canopy, designed by local artist Kseniya Makarova.
As part of a collaborative beautification effort between San Mateo County and the City of Redwood City, the Redwood City Arts Commission, the Redwood City Parks & Art Department, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a new mural was installed on the causeway connecting the Hall of Justice at 400 County Center to the Maguire Correctional Facility. This project enhances the visual appeal of the Winslow Street entry into County Center and the downtown area, while further enriching the growing collection of public art in our community.
The mural, titled Contemplative Canopy, was designed by local artist Kseniya Makarova, who was selected by a review panel in 2023. The piece is inspired by the lush tree canopy of the surrounding area and invites viewers to pause and reflect. It evokes themes of upward vision, aspiration, and a shared hope for a bright future.
Click here to read more about the mural in Taking Art to the Street: In Redwood City, a Bridge Wrapped in Light and Color.
Navigation Center Mural Project, 2024, A Sense of Belonging, designed by artist, Heather Hardison.
Artist Heather Hardison was contracted to work with residents and staff at the County’s Navigation Center in Redwood City to design a mural in an outdoor common space that reflects themes and images related to a sense of home, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and stability. The Navigation Center provides safe temporary living spaces for individuals and couples experiencing homelessness along with intensive support services designed to help clients find and maintain stable housing.
The design depicts overlapping hands representing interdependence and community relationships. The artist asked residents, "What does home, community, and equity mean to you?". The responses are incorporated into the mural to center and uplift the perspectives of the people living at the shelter. The painting and installation of the mural was done with resident participation.
Click here to read more about the mural in The Art that Binds Us: ‘Finally, someone is getting it’