“Kaleidoscope of Life” - Mosaic Sculptural Group Design Concept Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 Vision and Thematic Narrative The proposed "Kaleidoscope of Life” is a dynamic, monumental sculptural group that serves as a vibrant gateway and a visual poem to the community’s evolving identity. At the core of this design is the motif of the kaleidoscope, represented through the brilliantly colored, overlapping circular panels. A kaleidoscope inherently relies on an array of distinct, individual pieces coming together to create a unified, beautiful whole. Here, it symbolizes the rich cultural diversity of the Salinas community, as well as the continuous, fluid nature of its change.
Just as a kaleidoscope requires the active turn of a hand to shift its pieces into a new picture, "Kaleidoscope of Life" represents the profound power of action. It serves as a reminder that both the individual and the community as a whole possess the agency to change their circumstances for the better. This concept gently echoes the literary heritage of the region, specifically John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and its central philosophy of Timshel ("thou mayest"). It is a subtle but powerful sub-context reminding viewers that everyone holds the power of choice to consciously shape their own pathway into the future.
The Central Focal Point: The California Scrub Jay Rising from the center of the kaleidoscopic medallions is the sculptural focal point of the monument:
the California Scrub Jay. A familiar and deeply rooted local species, the Scrub Jay was selected for its remarkable intelligence and adaptability observed in nature. The bird is captured in a dynamic pose, actively taking flight with its wings fully spread. This upward, kinetic movement represents an uplifting spirit of optimism and a collective motion toward a brighter future. Furthermore, this soaring gesture creates a direct geographical and thematic connection to the nearby municipal airport, celebrating the region's connection to flight and progress.
“Kaleidoscope of Life” - Mosaic Sculptural Group Design Concept & Maintenance Statement Aesthetic Approach and Visual Impact Style-wise, the entire sculptural group is designed with a bold and eclectic approach. The vividly colored mosaic circular panels intentionally incorporate geometric patterns and motifs inspired by the traditional crafts of the region's indigenous people. These ancestral patterns are woven together with bold, vibrant colors that represent the many distinct cultures, social groups, and generations that make up the fabric of Salinas today.
As a roundabout centerpiece, the artwork is engineered to be highly visible and engaging from 360 degrees, reading clearly to both passing vehicular traffic and pedestrians.
During the day, the highly textured, custom mosaic finishes will catch the brilliant California sunlight, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship and natural beauty of the Scrub Jay. As the sun sets, the monument transforms. The nighttime view of the sculpture features strategic illumination that allows the kaleidoscopic panels to glow vibrantly against the dark sky, ensuring the monument remains a continuous, guiding beacon of hope, diversity, and community resilience around the clock.
Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 Maintenance Statement
● The artwork is fabricated using high-quality thick glass, grout, and durable materials designed to last for a minimum of 30 years.
● Surfaces can be cleaned with standard cleaning solutions, including for stain or graffiti removal.
● In the event of unforeseen damage, please contact us directly to arrange an inspection and receive an estimate for repairs.
● For minor issues such as a few missing tiles, we are happy to provide replacement materials free of charge.
Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 “Kaleidoscope of Life” - Mosaic Sculptural Group Placement Day time View
Proposed design concept is envisioned to have minimal interference with the existing landscape, and will benefit form the addition of the boulders and low-maintenance plants around the existing ones.
Night time View
Vivid colors of the mosaics will stand out with the help of simple uplight fixtures installed, accounting for the drivers safety.
Monument Placement per Attachment A- Aligned in the center of the existing roundabout space
Mosaic Example in Detail : thick
glass, dichroic glass, colored mirror &
various mosaic materials.
Steel talons and kaleidoscope panels frames : welded steel armature & laser-cut corten steel panels covered with durable rust-looking patina “Kaleidoscope of Life” - Artwork Materials
Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026
Sculpting technique &
materials for the Jay Bird
Sculpture: High-density
architectural foam,
reinforced with layers of
fiberglass mesh and
concrete - allows for stable
and strong substrate,
perfect to hold the mosaic
finish.
“Kaleidoscope of Life” - Artwork Design Approach
1. Sculpted Architectural Foam
2. Fiberglass mesh reinforcement
(several layers)
3. Sculpting concrete mix application
(several layers)
Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 ***All specs and detailed product data will be provided at the final design stage, to be reviewed and approved by the structural engineer.
ARTIST TEAM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026
STUDIO BIO
Since the founding of our studio in 2002,
we’ve grown into a strong, well-coordinated
team of 14 artists, working seamlessly
between the two facilities in San Diego and
Chico in Northern California. For over 20
years, our team has been working with
government agencies, community
organizations, architects and contractors,
listening carefully to input from all parties. Our
portfolio includes a diverse range of projects,
from welcome signs to large-scale mosaic
murals and interactive sculptures. Our mission
is to not only beautify the space, but to create
artworks that also serve as catalysts for social
connection and dialogue.
*** Please see our detailed resume attached
as an Appendix
Maria Titova
Lead Artist and Executive
Director - research and design
integration, along with
contracting and documentation.
Dan Evers
Founder & CEO - leads project visioning
Joann Laoretti - Mosaic Artist
Leanna Lunsford-
Mosaic Artist & Community
Engagement Director
ARTIST STATEMENT
Farallon Design is a creative studio specializing in vibrant, site-specific public art.
We specialize in mosaics, both two- and three-dimensional, with a unique ability to integrate structural elements to create works that celebrate nature, culture, and history. From concept to installation, our team of artists, designers, and coordinators delivers engaging, durable artworks that transform public spaces.
Together with the Rainforest Art Project - our educational and community outreach program - we bring mosaics and sculptural works to life by blending professional design with hands-on participation. This synergy ensures each piece reflects both expert craftsmanship and meaningful local collaboration.
Chloe Evers
Mosaic Artist & Sculptor
Luis Mojica
Guerrero
Artist & Fabrication Lead -
handles metalwork, structural
quality, and installation
logistics.
Artist T eam Qualifications & Experience - Similar Projects Completed Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 ❖ Commissioning Agency: City of Oroville
❖ Timeline: 2022 – 2025
❖ Budget: $450,000
❖ Medium: Cement backing board, variety of
mosaic materials, thick glass tesserae
❖ Dimensions: 60 panels, each approx. 80”
x 16”
❖ Description: At over six-hundred feet long,
and featuring sixty murals, this is an
extraordinary and lasting tribute to the
majestic Feather River, the City of Oroville,
and to communities throughout the
watershed. A large-scale community and
youth-driven mosaic mural. Required
coordination with city planning, phased
installation, and collaborative work with
over 2,000 participants including students
and youth groups.
Feather River Art Wall -
Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville, CA
Artist T eam Qualifications & Experience - Similar Projects Completed Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 ❖ Commissioning Agency: City of Chico, part of Caltrans Clean California Grant
❖ Project Timeline: January, 2025 - February, 2026 (Project is completed, waiting for install)
❖ Project Cost: $350,000
❖ Medium and Dimensions: Steel, laser-cut aluminum, thick glass mosaic, and durable patinas; Six sculptures, each approximately 10 ft - 18 ft tall.
❖ Description: Designed for a prominent, high-traffic roadway entrance into the city. Our role was to engineer highly visible, dynamic vertical forms that ensure immediate visual recognition for drive-by audiences. The motifs feature tall, arching sprouts carrying three-dimensional mosaiced butterfly sculptures, acting as brilliant symbols of transformation, hope, and highlighting the vital ecological role of pollinators for the agricultural region around Chico. Strong silhouettes create a memorable sense of place and inject a vibrant sense of vitality into the commuter corridor, all while ensuring the artwork reads clearly at multiple speeds.
Mariposa Pathway Sculptures -
Park Avenue, Chico, CA
Artist T eam Qualifications & Experience - Similar Projects Completed Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Monument - Mosaic Sculptural Group Proposal© 2026 ❖ Commissioning Agency: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System ❖ Project timeline: October 2024 - December 2024
❖ Project cost: $407,000
❖ Medium: Mosaic panels created with laser-cut corten steel outlines, cement board, custom stained glass mosaic tiles & patinas; installed onto the platform wall with painted background
❖ Dimensions: 325 ft long x 3 ft tall, 18 mosaic & steel panels ❖ Description: Celebrating the ecosystems of the South Bay, this expansive 325-foot transit installation connects travelers to the nearby Living Coast Discovery Center. The motifs blend native marine wildlife with rust-patina steel elements reminiscent of Kumeyaay ceramics and basket-weaving. Our role was to craft a sweeping visual narrative that transforms a mundane transit platform into a culturally and ecologically resonant gateway for commuters.
Treasures of the Bay -
E Street Transit Center, San Diego, CA