Public art installations not only help beautify our region, they give us something interesting to seek out and enjoy while exploring the Tri-Valley. There are several murals, statues, mosaics, and public art pieces that can be found throughout our area, each with their own unique backstory. Read up on some of our favorite public art installations in the Tri-Valley below.
Grazino Tile Murals
Guillermo Wagner Grazino was born in San Francisco in 1923 and graduated from San Francisco Art Institute following World War II. Despite being a Bay Area native, his ornate ceramic tile murals can be found throughout prominent cities in California and countries abroad, like Japan, Australia, and Nicaragua.
In 1994, to celebrate Pleasanton’s Centennial, the city commissioned Grazino to create a ceramic tile mural that told the rich history of the area. Grazino produced three colorful columns installed diagonally so that when they’re viewed together from any side, they form one large mural. The murals depict Native American inhabitants, Pioneer Settlers, the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Alameda County Fairgrounds, the city’s agricultural influence, and it’s short stint in silent movie-making. Unfortunately, Granzino battled with cancer while producing this mural, and it was one of his final pieces.
Visitors can view this unique installation by visiting Pleasanton’s Civic Park, just south of Main Street.
While you’re in town, don’t miss out on everything Pleasanton has to offer. Check out our What to do in Pleasanton blog.
Livermore Murals
Located behind Story Coffee in Livermore, the “Welcome to Downtown Livermore” mural is unique in that it was painted by 9 regional artists and aims to highlight various aspects of the city. Some spotlighted characteristics include the city’s outdoor recreation space, the historic Livermore Valley Wine Country, the over 100-years old Livermore Rodeo, its buzz-worthy craft beer scene, and its dedication to both the science and art communities.
There are over 15 larger-than-life murals created by local artists are scattered throughout Downtown Livermore. Check out our Downtown Livermore Murals Guide to find, view, and snap a photo with these beautiful pops of color.
Meadowlark Dairy Mural
You’ve probably heard that happy cows come from California, and the saying rings true here in the Tri-Valley. Meadowlark Dairy was founded in the early 1900’s in Pleasanton and was the first certified dairy in California. In 1969, the dairy owners built a milk processing plant selling drive-thru dairy and grocery goods at the present-day address: W. 57 Neal Street. Today, Meadowlark Dairy continues to provide dairy and grocery items while also being a local hotspot for classic and seasonal flavors of house-made soft serve from their drive-thru and walk-up windows.
Meadowlark Dairy is also a participating ice creamery on our Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail. Visit 5 stops on the trail and take home your very own Visit Tri-Valley ice cream scooper to use at home!
Photo Credit: @Rachel Rodi
Railroad Plaza Mosaic
In 1891 the Southern Pacific Railroad was completed, making it easy to transport goods and people from Avon (near Martinez) to Danville. The small town’s history as a railway depot is still celebrated today in the form of historic markers, street names, a life-size railroad car at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, and the Railroad Plaza mosaic crafted by Rachel Rodi. The mosaic wraps around a shallow fountain and the tops of four benches surrounding it, depicting significant local historic and geographical sites.
Historic Crossroads Mural
Located on the freeway underpasses of I-680 at Dublin Blvd. and Amador Valley Blvd., this expansive mural features a variety of historical figures that seem to be intermingling with each other in a hallway. The mural combines the city’s natural history, Spanish colonization, and American settlers with snapshots of the city in present-day. This creative juxtaposition was painted by Daniel Galves, John Pugh, and John Wehrle in 2003.
See a full list of Dublin’s public art collection here.
Eugene O'Neill Tribute
The Eugene O’Neill tribute located in Danville is an art installation celebrating America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill. O’Neill lived in Danville between 1937 and 1944 and his home is now a protected National Historic Site.
This peaceful path is lined with greenery and stone books which shed light on the famous playwright. A few chess tables and benches encourage visitors to sit and stay a while.
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