Public art by local artist Wesley Horn celebrates Davis’ natural landscape
By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org
A new art piece was recently placed at the Davis City Hall on the brick seating between the doors and the City Council Chambers. The tiles are handmade by artist Wesley Horn (Wes), a second-generation, Davis-based sculptor, ceramicist, mosaicist and builder.
The hand-made tiles are crafted to celebrate the local landscape and natural environment. Depicting native plants, insects and animals in intricate detail, Horn specializes in durable exterior works for public and shared spaces and is known for integrating regional imagery into his pieces. His various public art installations can be found in libraries, schools, galleries, transit stations, sculpture gardens and city streets across California and Mexico.
In addition to his artwork, Horn hosts studio classes that are open to the public, offering workshops that focus primarily on clay sculpture, particularly near the holidays.
Davis community member and artist Anya McCann shared her appreciation for the installation, emphasizing the value of public art in the city.
“I think it’s really important for us to have and support public art, and it beautifies our town,” McCann said. “It has ways of communicating our region, things that symbolize and are important to our region and make this our town. I love how he’s included local crops and local wildlife.”
McCann also expressed pride in the city’s commitment to supporting local artists.
“I’m proud that my city is supporting this,” McCann said. “I am a local artist who has contributed art to our town, several of my friends as well, and I think it’s terrific.”
Davis’ public artwork is enjoyed by students and community members alike. Sara Bakr, a third-year environmental engineering and civic engineering double major, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of public art in community identity.
“Public art makes everyday spaces feel special,” Bakr said. “It makes public spaces feel more welcoming and adds personality to places we pass through daily. It’s a reminder of what makes Davis unique.”
For students, public art installations like Horn’s serve as an opportunity to engage with the city’s culture beyond campus. Emmy Patterson, a third-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, shared her appreciation for seeing art integrated into daily spaces.
“I love seeing creative works outside of galleries and classrooms,” Patterson said. “Public art like this makes the city feel more vibrant and accessible, and it’s inspiring to see professional artists showcasing work in shared spaces.”
Horn splits his time between Davis and Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where he continues to create public art connecting people with the natural world. His signature style, which includes bright, mosaic-like ceramic tiles, has become a recognizable feature in many local and international community spaces. For more information on Wes Horn’s work, check out the new art installation at Davis City Hall, as well as his website and Instagram page.
Written By Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org
