Greenmeme, the artist team for the Chestnut I-5 underpass public art project, is seeking community input on two initial concepts for the artwork. The public art will be located along the walls of the underpass beneath the freeway bridge.

Provide input by completing an online form by Thursday, Oct. 2.

How the concepts were developed
Greenmeme presented the concepts during the Arts Commission meeting on Sept. 4, 2025. For additional background, you can watch a recording of the presentation. 

The artist team developed the concepts based on community feedback gathered earlier this year. Themes that emerged include:

• Celebrate nature and the ocean
• Honor Barrio history and culture
• Foster community connection and inclusivity
• Reflect movement and the important access link the underpass serves for people walking, biking and driving
• Inspire community pride and hope

Based on these themes, Greenmeme developed two concepts that share some similarities, including:

• A similar color story (reflected above), meant to represent the landscape of Carlsbad’s open space and hills, to the flower fields, to the beach and ocean
• A design that leverages raised panels now in place along the sides of the underpass, beneath the I-5 freeway, following street improvements recently completed by Caltrans and SANDAG

Specific elements shown in the initial concepts are placeholders only (e.g., specific silhouettes or hats). These elements would be updated during the next project phase.

Concept 1 features silhouettes of specific people or elements mentioned in community feedback – from skateboards, pets and nature, to people at the beach, children playing sports and local workers. The silhouettes would be created by applying a “mask” over the concrete and painting around it to reveal the forms. 

If selected, the next step would be events where community members could choose to be photographed to help shape the actual silhouettes in the artwork.  

Concept 2 draws on the theme of community connection and the many “hats” people wear daily in the community. It represents both symbolic hats of community roles and the historical hats of Barrio residents and immigrants who originally settled in the area. The hats would be made from thin metal cutouts layered together and slightly offset to create a ribbon effect. 

If selected, the next step would be to gather inspiration directly from the community through photo submissions or in-person events where residents can share their hats.

How to provide input

Community members can view more details about both concepts and provide feedback by completing an online form by Thursday, Oct. 2. 

Based on input received, Greenmeme will refine the preferred option and present an update to the Arts Commission at its meeting on Nov. 4, 2025.

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Additional resources
Chestnut underpass public art project
Community input report
Sept. 4 Arts Commission meeting recording