A long-awaited art installation has bathed a busy downtown Napa intersection in bright shades of pink, red, yellow and blue.
The pedestrian scramble artwork at the bulb-outs of the multi-directional crossing at Second and Main streets is finished, completing the “Napa Tapestry” public art project.
Designed by Spokane, Washington-based artist Danielle Davis, the scramble artwork is made from preformed thermoplastics and includes a mix of patterns that represent Napa’s cultural backgrounds, including the German, Chinese, Wappo, Swiss, Mexican and Italian communities.
Inspired by the native Wappo people’s tradition of basketmaking, Davis said, she began thinking about weaving as “a metaphor for Napa itself: the many people, cultures, and histories that have come together to make Napa what it is today.”
“Napa Tapestry,” designed by Washington-based artist Danielle Davis, adorns the pedestrian scramble at Main and Second streets in Napa on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
With the installation finished, Davis said she’s pleased to see the color and energy brought to the streets, while still keeping the imagery abstract and approachable.
“I think the final result hit that mark,” she said. “I also feel very honored to have been selected for the project; I’m grateful to have been entrusted with creating art for this specific community, and I wanted the work to be not only beautiful, but meaningful and clearly connected to Napa.”
The entire project is being installed through a roughly $379,000 contract with Sacramento-based Asphalt Impressions Inc. on a total construction budget of $475,000 that was approved by the Napa City Council in March. The overall project includes money from the city’s dedicated public art fund, as well as $150,000 from the Downtown Napa Property and Business Improvement District.
At her initial presentation to the public at the City Council meeting in March, Davis said, she received positive feedback from council members, business owners and community members. Anticipating that people react differently to public art, “I’m interested in how the community connects with it over time,” she said.
“I hope the work becomes a small part of the overall experience of downtown Napa, adding color, energy, and a little joy to people’s day as they drive or walk by,” Davis added. “More importantly, I hope the idea behind it resonates with people: that Napa’s story has been shaped by many different people and cultures, and that everyone can feel like they have a place in that story.”
Staff Writer Edward Booth contributed to this article. You can reach Staff Writer Alana Minkler at alana.minkler@pressdemocrat.com.