San Luis Obispo’s public art scene is always evolving, turning everyday spaces into something special—from sculptures around town to colorful utility boxes. The latest addition, Along the Way by Rachel B. Hayes in Garden Street Alley, is a perfect example of how public art can transform the way we see and experience our surroundings.
Kaleidoscopic Vision
Rachel works at the intersection of sculpture, installation, and textiles, using color, transparency, and light to redefine space. With Along the Way, she brings her signature style right into the heart of downtown SLO. Suspended high above Garden Street Alley, her patchwork of vivid, translucent fabrics catches the sunlight, creating a shifting kaleidoscope of color throughout the day.
Ever-Changing Light
What makes this piece so special is the way it adds both intimacy and grandeur to a well-loved pedestrian pathway. Garden Street Alley already connects people to great local spots, but Rachel’s installation invites you to slow down, look up, and take in something unexpected. Depending on the time of day—or even the weather—it feels entirely new, changing with the light and movement around it. It’s the kind of public art that sparks curiosity and rewards those who take a moment to notice.
Want to see more of Rachel’s work? Swing by the PAC lobby at Cal Poly to check out another stunning installation through February 5, 2027!