Home Public Art Learn about the Urban Trees Project

The Ports Public Art Program conceived this temporary exhibit to punctuate and activate the postcard views of San Diego Bay and invite people to stroll along and enjoy the pedestrian promenade. Artists were invited to apply their creative energies to the design of artistic trees to add color, form, interest and fun to the waterfront. From 122 entries, 31 artworks were commissioned for the Urban Trees 5 exhibit, which extends for a half mile along Harbor Drive from the Cruise Ship Terminal to Hawthorn Street. Along the way, visitors can enjoy other attractions including the USS Midway, the Maritime Museum, San Diego Harbor Excursion, Hornblower Cruises & Events and outstanding waterfront dining.

Own a Tree

Many Urban Trees from past exhibits have found new homes in corporate and community settings as well as with private collectors. All artworks are available for purchase at exhibit end.

Directions:

  • Going South on I-5: Exit Front Street. Turn right on W. Broadway and right on North Harbor Drive.
  • Going North on I-5: Exit Hawthorn Street. Turn left on North Harbor Drive.
  • Additional Information: 619.686.7246

Urban Trees 5

UT5_tile_web.jpgThe scenic views of San Diego Bay's North Embarcadero has been transformed by a new grove of 31 sculptural trees comprising the Port of San Diegos fifth consecutive Urban Trees exhibit. These trees have been sculpted with inspiration and imagination from a diverse and striking range of traditional and modern media.

 

 

   

Urban Trees 4

Urban Trees 4The North Embarcadero along scenic San Diego Bay has once again been transformed by a new grove of 30 sculptural “trees” comprising the Port of San Diego’s fourth consecutive Urban Trees exhibit. Sculpted with inspiration and imagination from a diverse and striking range of traditional and modern media, this year-long exhibit is an engaging and vibrant attraction along San Diego’s waterfront for city residents and visitors alike.

   

Urban Trees 3

(May 2006 - April 2007)

Urban Trees 3The North Embarcadero along the spectacular San Diego Bay has been transformed with a distinctive grove filled with unusual landscaping. Standing gracefully along the tidelands are unique trees made of steel and glass, tiles and copper, wood and canvas, inspiration and imagination. This remarkable display, which annually attracts national and international attention, is the newest exhibit of Public Art in the Port of San Diego's Tidelands Collection.

   

Urban Trees 2

(May 2005 - April 2006)

Urban Trees 2Urban Trees II is the second iteration of the Port's original "Urban Trees" program that results in the creation of 30 sculptural artworks based on a tree theme. These tree sculptures are on a one-year temporary exhibition along the San Diego waterfront Embarcadero. Under Urban Trees II, the Port commissioned 30 aditional tree sculptures selected through a design competition held September 2004.

 

   

Urban Trees (Fall 2003)

Urban Trees 1The Urban Trees project features thirty original sculptural works of public art, each designed and fabricated by a different artist. The artworks on display stem from a juried artist competition held in June of 2003, which garnered over 100 highly imaginative entries. Artists were required to design artworks around a 12-foot high, 6-inch diameter pole (tree trunk) that would be fitted into a special 48-inch square, 3-foot high concrete planter base. Maximum creativity in design and selection of materials was both encouraged and realized.

Read more: Urban Trees (Fall 2003)

   

Public Art Video

Changing Our Communities
Public Art Video

Public Art Downloads

Polls

Why are you at our site today?







Results