With the backing of the HLC, the dedication of the HLC “Art meets History” subcommittee Commissioners Kirby, Romano and Chair Vargas-Smith, and collaboration of artist Cameryn Baker, we were able to successfully launch this new project to support HLC educational priorities for 2024 and beyond. These collective efforts have brought the history of our community to life through captivating public artwork in the colorful style reminiscent of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s 1935 Work Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project. This HLC project intends to continue to add 10 images (banners) per year to the “Art meets History” Collection and expand the installations to Great America Parkway. 

We encourage residents and visitors to stroll along El Camino Real to admire the banners—a fantastic way to engage the community with its own history. Each banner visually contributes to the future conversations about historic preservation of our heritage. HLC chose properties based on their historic status.

1. The Train Depot circa 1863
2. JJ Montgomery SC First Aviator circa 1903
3. The Harris Lass House Museum circa 1864
4. Jack London’s Call of the Wild circa 1910
5. Mission City 1852
6. Santa Clara Valley Orchard circa 1750
7. The Adobe Berryessa circa 1840
8. Santa Clara Post Office circa 1935
9. The Morse Mansion circa 1892
10. The S.E.S. Portuguese Hall circa 1896

By celebrating our history, cherishing our landmarks, and working together to preserve our community's essence, together we are fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents for generations to come.  To learn more about each property listed visit our city website:  Historic Properties | City of Santa Clara (santaclaraca.gov)

About the Artist:

Cameryn Baker is a creative based in San Francisco. Native to Los Angeles County, she graduated from the University of Southern California in 2022 and made the switch to NorCal shortly after. She has worked in a handful of unexpected places, including film sets in Los Angeles and Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. Photography, illustration, and written work can be found on her website, camerynbaker.com.