Auburn Council approves artwork concept for American Canyon roundabout

The Auburn City Council approved the artwork concept proposed for the Highway 49 American Canyon Roundabout during its March 9 meeting. The roundabout, located at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Borland Avenue down to the American River Confluence, opened for traffic use on Dec. 19, 2025, following three years of construction work and months-long delays. Auburn City Manager Sean Rabé introduced the item advising eight proposals were submitted through a request for proposal process from the city and Auburn Arts Commission. The proposals were reviewed and scored by an evaluation panel, which met in June 2025 to select the finalist. April Maynard, chair for the Auburn Arts Commission, confirmed the selection process was "extremely objective," as evaluators did not meet until each had scored the eight proposals individually with a rubric created for the process. Maynard advised the proposal submitted by Deanna Marsh and her team received "either first place or second place all the way down." "It really became clear very, very quickly that the Marsh proposal was just definitely the appropriate choice," Maynard told the council. The artwork, "Legacy of Leaves," will be a sculpture comprised of three leaves silhouettes - Water Play, Canyon Adventure and Wildlife - inspired by the native Toyon plant to display the connection the community can form with the region's natural environment: Water activities, physical exploration and appreciating the flora and fauna. According to the commission's website, Marsh conceived the sculptural form and created the leaves pattern, Laurel Mathe embellished each leaf with the integrated graphics, and Genevieve Tucker formed the completed leaves into 3-D CAD renderings and animation. According to Maynard, the commission wanted to present the artwork to the council for concept approval to begin fundraising efforts while waiting for Caltrans to review the proposal submitted in October. "If we could move forward with the assumption that it's going to happen, then perhaps by the time Caltrans is done with their approvals, then we could be ready to roll," she said. Jeremy Linder, public information officer for Caltrans, confirmed the department is working with the city of Auburn on the official application. "Once received, the department will review and work with the city on any changes before an encroachment permit is issued," Linder stated, noting the review process could "be at least two years before final approval is granted." Councilmember Alice Dowdin Calvillo stated, "I think it's a phenomenal piece of art; congratulations ladies. And I think it will just really showcase our canyon and our area and just 100 percent on board." Added Councilmember Sandy Amara, "I'm just very impressed and amazed at the hard work and the hours that all of you put in. I know it's not an easy task what you did and you did a beautiful job. And the other thing I'm very appreciative of is that this is an Auburn group. I'm so excited, that's wonderful, and what a legacy." "It's going to be a destination," Maynard agreed. The council approved the artwork in concept in a unanimous vote. For more information about the artwork and how to donate, visit auburnca.art/roundabout.