Happenings

Inspired by the spirit of creative moments in public space, Happenings shares what's currently unfolding in Lafayette's public art scene. From works in progress to newly installed pieces and community events, this is where you’ll find what’s active, evolving, and worth seeing now.

Public Art Committee Recommends Approval of Downtown Mural

The Public Art Committee has recommended approval of a proposed mural by artist Robert Minervini for 286 Lafayette Circle as part of the City’s Downtown Mural Program.

Inspired by a “Garden of Eden” concept celebrating Lafayette’s identity and natural landscape, the mural features General Lafayette overlooking a vibrant view of Mount Diablo surrounded by native oak woodlands, California wildflowers, and local wildlife. Minervini’s highly detailed, photorealistic style creates a lush, atmospheric landscape with a dreamlike quality.

The proposed mural will be presented to the Lafayette City Council on Monday, September 14, 2026, for review and approval.

Learn more about the Downtown Mural Program and view the proposed design: Murals Program

Meet the Artists: Embodied: Figurative Works in Clay and Paint

Join us for an evening celebrating the City of Lafayette’s fall art exhibition, Embodied: Figurative Works in Clay and Paint!

Monday, September 28 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Lafayette Library & Learning Center

Meet the five featured artists and members of the Lafayette Public Art Committee while enjoying the artwork, refreshments, and conversation.

Embodied brings together five Bay Area artists exploring the human form through painting and ceramics. Through color, gesture, texture, weight, and surface, the artists explore ideas of presence, connection, reflection, and lived experience.

Come see the exhibition, meet the artists, and learn more about the work behind the exhibition. Everyone is welcome!

The exhibition is on view through October 26 at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center and Town Hall Theatre Lobby Gallery.

Public Art Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt!

Discover downtown Lafayette through public art! Download our Public Art Walking Tour Guide for a list of artworks and their locations along an approximately half-mile route that takes about 20 minutes to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, the tour is a great way to explore the creativity and stories that help define our community.

Several of the artworks commissioned through the City of Lafayette's public art requirement include standardized plaques with QR codes that link to information about the artwork, the artist, and the project's story. As you explore, simply scan a QR code to learn more about the pieces that catch your eye. We'll be adding more context over time.

Looking for a family-friendly activity? Download our Public Art Scavenger Hunt and see how many artworks you can find as you explore downtown together.

Our First Downtown Mural Is Complete!

We’re excited to share the completion of the first mural in Lafayette’s Downtown Mural Program, created by the talented Rachel Perls.

Thank you to Rachel for her vision and artistry, to Julie Del Santo and Dudum Real Estate Group for providing the wall, to ABG Projects for their expertise in bringing the project to life, and to the City Council and residents for supporting the arts in Lafayette. The mural is stunning and adds new vibrancy to our downtown.

Visit at twilight or dawn to see the violet shading at its best. The way the mural interacts with the Lafayette sky is remarkable throughout the day. And don’t miss how the fall leaves echo the Matilija poppy centers.

We’re already planning the next mural and need your help.

If you know a property owner with a wall in the downtown core who might want to participate, let us know — we’re officially looking for the next location.

Visit @lovelafayetteartists to see photos of the mural as it evolved!

Read More: 

Lafayette Just Lucked Out With a Stunning New Mural

Greet Lafayette March 2026: Art in Bloom: Rachel Perls Paints the Town

Acalanes Blueprint: A Vibrant Addition to Lafayette's Landscape

Acalanes Blueprint: Vibrant Visions for the Future