Sacramento Art Through the Eyes of a Local
I moved to Sacramento, California, in 2017, after driving across the country with my dog from North Carolina. One of the first things I noticed when I began exploring the city was how much art there is here! Every time you turn a corner, you’re likely to find a delightful surprise. It’s one of the things I love most about the city. Join me on a tour of some of my favorite pieces of Sacramento art.
Taking flight in Terminal B
Lawrence Argent’s Leap is a breathtaking, oversized red rabbit that appears to spring into Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport. I make a special trip to visit this amazing Sacramento art sculpture every time I fly out of town. Leap is made out of granite, aluminum, bronze and steel, but arches gracefully from the ceiling, appearing light as air.
Making bold statements at Wide Open Walls
The city hosts Wide Open Walls, an annual Sacramento art mural festival that brings together renowned international artists to bring vibrant, inspirational art to the city’s blank walls. Watching the public art go up around the city is the highlight of August for me. Shepard Fairey headlined 2018’s festival, unveiling a 15-story mural of Johnny Cash. Part of Fairey’s American Civics series, this stunning portrait recalls the 50th anniversary of Cash’s famed album At Folsom Prison and shines a light on social issues like mass incarceration.
Actively creating art at Chalk It Up!
Since 1991, the city has celebrated the Chalk It Up! festival of Sacramento art each September. This free, three-day event features arts and crafts booths and live music performances, but I find it most exciting to see young people embracing art and their creative sides. Lining the four sides of Fremont Park, the annual, Labor Day weekend festival raises money for arts grants for local youth.
Celebrating Cesar Chavez at Cesar Chavez Plaza
Since 1991, the city has celebrated the Chalk It Up! festival of Sacramento art each September. This free, three-day event features arts and crafts booths and live music performances, but I find it most exciting to see young people embracing art and their creative sides. Lining the four sides of Fremont Park, the annual, Labor Day weekend festival raises money for arts grants for local youth.
Reaching to the sky with environmental art at CalEPA
Just outside the CalEPA building is a tiny grove of sequoia trees with monolithic stones set in a circle. This special spot is cool even in the heat of summer and is one of my favorite spots to stop by downtown. Beverly Pepper’s stunning Sacramento art work is perfectly placed and fits the EPA’s mission of protecting California’s natural resources.
Honoring history with memorials and monuments at the World Peace Rose Garden
The land surrounding the Capitol in Sacramento is a special place. Home to the World Peace Rose Garden, the Capitol grounds also feature native plants from across the state, and several moving memorial sculptures. One particularly striking Sacramento art piece commemorates California’s firefighters. After years of devastating wildfires, I can’t overstate how revered and beloved these fearless civil servants are by local citizens.
Clasping hands on Capitol Mall
If you stroll along Capitol Mall toward the iconic Tower Bridge, you’ll pass by Stephen J. Kaltenbach’s Peace. Stop in for a coffee at local roaster Old Soul, located next to the sculpture, on your way to Old Sacramento. When you stay in Sacramento, it’s the perfect spot to take in the City of Trees and the community’s dedication to public Sacramento art.