The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society is excited to announce the completion of a dynamic public art project at the Healdsburg Museum, located at 221 Matheson Street. This project, featuring colorful graphic banners and exterior lighting, energizes the building’s facade with placemaking elements visible during both day and night. The Healdsburg Museum occupies the former Carnegie Library, a Neo-Classical Revival building incorporating imposing columns, stairs, and a large pediment typical of civic buildings of the era. The structure housed the city’s library from 1911–1990 and is a cherished landmark in the center of town. A series of community listening sessions in Spring 2022 highlighted a need to increase visibility of the Museum and to expand its purpose as a resource for research and education beyond the traditional four walls of the building. to its exterior where it could engage residents and visitors alike. This feedback inspired a proposal to engage residents and visitors with artwork on the exterior of the building.
In May 2023, the Healdsburg Museum was selected as one of eight recipients of the City of Healdsburg’s inaugural Public Art Grant. The Museum commissioned JeppsonEGD, a local experiential design firm, to develop and implement this public art project. This project includes two public art components:
1. Colorful graphics for daytime placemaking: Four banners—two of which serve as double-ended art experiences—bring local storytelling to the exterior of the museum. Two banners flanking the staircase affirm the Museum’s community presence, while the other two banners showcase patterns inspired by Healdsburg’s natural and agricultural heritage. These banners celebrate hops, prunes, wine grapes—historical mainstays of Healdsburg’s agriculture—and the Russian River, which nourishes them all.
2. Illumination for nighttime experiences: Programmable LED lights wash the building’s Matheson and Fitch Street facades in a spectrum of colors, highlighting the architecture while reflecting current exhibits and special events. This nighttime display brings energy and excitement to the Museum after hours.
The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society extends heartfelt thanks to the City of Healdsburg for the $5,000 Public Art Grant and to the Museum’s supporters, including Pamela Sher’s generous donation, which made this project possible. “We have reimagined this historic building in a fun and unexpected way, infusing new life and energy into its exterior,” said Holly Hoods, Executive Director and Curator of the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society. “The art elements created by Noah Jeppson of JeppsonEGD respond directly to community feedback, establishing the Museum as Healdsburg's cultural heart.” Noah Jeppson, Principal of JeppsonEGD, added, “This project was a creative challenge to think of the building’s facade as a canvas for storytelling which can evolve and transform with the community. The day and night experiences complement the exhibits inside, encouraging visitation and exploration.” The public art installation is visible around the clock, with the exterior lighting frequently updated to offer fresh experiences for visitors and passersby. As May is National Preservation Month, residents and visitors are encouraged to begin their free, self-guided Historic Downtown Healdsburg Walking Tour at the Museum, now available on the Clio mobile app.
