Transforming the Waterfront with Public Art
A series of monumental sculptures will soon grace the Embarcadero, offering a unique outdoor exhibit that aims to turn San Francisco’s waterfront into a vibrant destination for public art. This initiative, led by the Port of San Francisco, is designed to attract both locals and tourists while celebrating the city’s creative spirit.
The project, known as the “Waterfront Art Walk,” will span from Fisherman’s Wharf in the north to Heron’s Head Park in the south. It will feature a dozen large-scale sculptures, each standing at least 10 feet tall. The installation will begin in October and will be carried out in phases, with some pieces remaining for up to a year.
This effort is a collaboration between the Port of San Francisco and Building 180, a women-led art agency that has previously installed notable works such as a 45-foot-tall nude female sculpture near the Ferry Building. Building 180 also contributed to the development of Sunset Dunes, a new park on the Great Highway. The program is funded through the Sijbrandij Foundation, a philanthropy organization that supports Building 180’s initiatives.
Shannon Riley, founder of Building 180, emphasized the importance of large-scale art in inspiring creativity. “To see large-scale art brings out the artist in each of us,” she said. “We’re trying to inspire communities and individuals to be creative.”
Some of the sculptures have already been showcased at events like Burning Man. While specific details about the artworks remain undisclosed, a port document highlighted several pieces, including a desert shark on a pedestal by Peter Hazel and a mermaid by Dana Albany. Other works are expected to explore interpretations of sea life and abstract forms.
Each sculpture will be installed on piers or in parks that are part of the port’s property. An individual encroachment permit will be required for each piece, granted by the port’s executive director. The program is flexible, allowing for up to 20 works if funding permits. A call for submissions by Building 180 is ongoing, with each artwork tailored to its specific location. Some pieces may even be illuminated at night.
The artists involved in this project include both local and international creators. According to a port document, the list includes Dana Albany, Dewitt Godfrey, Peter Hazel, Mathias Gmachi, Kristen Berg, Davis McCarty, Michael Christian, Chris Wollard, and Bryan Tedrick. However, images of the art were not available at the time of the announcement.
Eric Young, director of communications for the Port of San Francisco, expressed pride in the initiative. “We believe art has the power to draw people in, spark dialogue, and inspire imagination and reflection,” he said. The port staff is working on licensing, outreach, and approval efforts to ensure the installations can take place this fall.
Building 180 hopes that the Waterfront Art Walk will add to the vibrancy of the area, creating moments of reflection and conversation through art. The Embarcadero, a key hub for locals and tourists alike, will benefit from this artistic transformation, offering a space where beauty and creativity converge.
As the project progresses, it is expected to become a significant cultural attraction, enhancing the experience of the San Francisco waterfront. The combination of art, nature, and urban life promises to create an engaging environment for all who visit.
