Originally, two vibrant murals were envisioned to welcome the public to new buildings in the UC Davis Aggie Square knowledge community slated to open in early 2025. But there was “a plot twist no one saw coming,” as Wexford Science and Technology vice president of development Claire Drummond put it in an email: the committee for the artists’ selection process loved the finalists’ designs so much that they chose to invest in a third mural to a Connect Labs space, removing a planned moss wall in favor of adding more public art. 

The artists were selected following an April RFQ (request for qualifications) for professional artists put out by the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with developer Wexford Science and Technology. Initially, artists submitted a portfolio, artist statement, and other materials. Using a rubric designed to make the selection process fair and inclusive, a diverse panel scored each artist on their originality, technical skill, and public art experience to select four finalists. Each finalist received a $500 stipend to develop proposed designs, with the guideline that their visions should honor the Sacramento region and its natural features, culture, or background.

The three winning designs did just that, while also adding nods to the scientific innovation that will be the hallmark of Aggie Square. Oakland muralist Liv Losee-Unger created a vivid, intricate design inspired by macro photography of butterfly wings, both evoking the life sciences and incorporating imagery of butterflies native to the Sacramento region. Sacramento artist Gabriel Romo found inspiration for his abstract composition in molecular structures, human physiology, and the regional landscape, both referencing Sacramento’s status as the City of Trees and the interdisciplinary collaborations that will characterize Aggie Square. And Sacramento artist Shane Grammer’s “Blossoms of Innovation” uses a bright, fractal rendering of a camellia—a flower historically associated with the city—as a tribute to the region’s forward-looking spirit. 

These vibrant images amplify a strong trend of public art in Sacramento, which has gained recognition for its profusion of colorful murals in recent years and are just the beginning for public art at Aggie Square. These three planned interior murals represent Phase 1 of Aggie Square’s public art project.  A second RFQ for Phase 2 of Aggie Square public art is open now for two additional murals in UC Davis interior spaces. The application deadline for Phase 2 is Monday, October 7. Phase 3 will open later this fall for an exterior mural adorning the Aggie Square parking structure.

All three rounds have relied upon the Office of Arts and Culture’s expertise to create a clear, transparent, and accessible competitive selection process for artists, who may apply separately or as a team. In keeping with Aggie Square’s commitment to local and regional innovation, the selection process gave special consideration to artists who live in or have strong personal or cultural connections to Sacramento or Yolo County. 

Artists interested in these opportunities can sign up for email updates from the Office of Arts and Culture.