Client: California Department of Transportation
Location: San Juan Bautista, CA, United States
Completion date: 2023
Artwork budget: $259,997
Project Team
Lead Artist
Ryan Yanoe Sarfati
OH YANOE LLC
Lead Artist
Eric Zoueh Skotnes
Oh Yanoe LLC
Assistant Artist
Angie Navarro
Oh Yanoe LLC
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Laine
San Benito Arts Council
Fabrication Lead
Nick Anderson
UAP
Client
Corby Kilmer
California Department of Transportation
Overview
The Fabric of Life: A Monumental Art Installation Transforms San Juan Bautista’s landscape into a vibrant celebration of community and culture. Spanning over 15,000 square feet of painted surface, this breathtaking project also features two large-scale casted aluminum sculptures. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the installation uses latex and spray paint to create a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Situated at the Washington Street Underpass on State Route 156, “The Fabric of Life” was conceived by acclaimed artist Yanoe x Zoueh with assistance from Angie Navarro. The project is a testament to the power of collaboration, involving local artists, community organizations, and government entities such as the California Department of Transportation, City of San Juan Bautista, San Benito Arts Council and UAP company.
“The Fabric of Life” invites viewers to reflect on diversity and unity, making it a source of inspiration and pride for San Juan Bautista. This monumental masterpiece stands as a beacon of hope, creativity, and community spirit, showcasing the transformative power of public art.
Goals
The primary goal of integrating commissioned artwork into the Clean California Beautification Project at the Washington Street Underpass was to enhance the visual appeal and cultural significance of the area while also addressing the broader Clean California Program goals of job creation, highway beautification and roadside clean-up, particularly in California’s underserved and rural communities. By incorporating a colorful mural with sculptural elements, the project transforms the existing concrete structure and landscape into a vibrant and immersive community portal. This artistic integration was crucial for connecting the downtown core of San Juan Bautista- a town of just 2,000 residents known as "The City of History-" with the adjacent residential neighborhood and future community park.
The artwork not only beautifies the undercrossing but also fosters a sense of local pride and identity, which was achieved through extensive outreach and engagement in the Latinx community. The project creates a safer and more inviting environment for pedestrians, cyclists and families, promoting outdoor activities and improving the overall quality of life. The addition of native, drought-tolerant landscaping fosters environmental sustainability while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This proje
Process
The collaboration process for "The Fabric of Life" was a harmonious blend of creativity and community engagement. First, Yanoe x Zoueh were selected from a competitive statewide call-for-artists. Representatives from Caltrans, the City of San Juan Bautista, Arts Council and local artists and businesses were part of the panel review process. Once selected, the artists traveled to San Juan Bautista to interview, involve and gather stories from local artists, tribal leaders, community elders, business owners, city council members and neighborhood residents. From concept to completion, the project emphasized inclusivity and shared vision. Regular meetings, workshops and community surveys gathered input from residents, ensuring the mural resonated with and reflected the community’s history and culture. Executive Director Jennifer Laine of the San Benito County Arts Council facilitated dialogue between artists and stakeholders, ensuring diverse voices were heard and the project met high artistic and community standards. Regular engagement between the artists, general contractor and Caltrans, a state agency that has historically not worked directly with artists, ensured that the project complied with state regulations and construction requirements.
Additional Information
"The Fabric of Life" is more than just a visual enhancement; it is a living testament to the resilience, diversity, and unity of San Juan Bautista. This project not only beautifies the Washington Street Underpass but also creates a dynamic space that encourages reflection, conversation, and community connection. The installation’s design, which transitions from 2D to 3D, invites viewers to experience art in a new, immersive way, making it a unique landmark in the city. Neighborhood resident, Kathy Flores, has described it as an “outdoor museum.” A significant aspect of this project was its ability to engage a broad spectrum of the community. From local artists and schools to civic organizations and government bodies, the collaborative nature of this endeavor ensured that it truly represents the spirit of San Juan Bautista. Furthermore, the installation incorporates elements of Chicano muralism, paying homage to the cultural heritage of the area, while also looking forward with contemporary design techniques and materials. This blend of old and new symbolizes the city's ongoing journey and evolution. Ultimately, "The Fabric of Life" stands as a beacon of hope and creativity, reminding residents and visitors alike of the power of art to transform spaces and unite communities.