Painted by Hands, Shaped by Community: Pacific Art League x Palo Alto Public Art

At Pacific Art League, we believe walls can listen. They hold memory. They gather stories. And sometimes—when the moment is right—they become art.

This winter, we’re proud to partner with Palo Alto Public Art on a new mural project that brings contemporary public art to the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Painted on the alley wall of Pacific Art League at 668 Ramona Street, the mural is the work of Berkeley-based artist Nigel Sussman—and it’s already transforming an often-overlooked stretch of our building into a site of curiosity, connection, and joy.

Meet the Artist: Nigel Sussman

Nigel Sussman’s work lives at the intersection of research, design, and community storytelling. His mural for PAL, Palo Alto Discoveries, is directly inspired by the history of the region—and by the building itself. Using bold graphic linework and a thoughtfully limited palette, Nigel layers references to local architecture, culture, and native flora and fauna into a composition that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted.

But what makes this project truly special is how it came to life.

During his design process, Nigel didn’t just sketch from afar. He visited the site. He spoke with local historians, librarians, residents, and Pacific Art League staff. He listened. He researched. He collaborated. This community-engaged approach is central to his practice and ensures that the final work doesn’t just sit on the wall—it belongs there.

As Nigel puts it, collaboration with local communities is essential to creating public artwork that aligns with its context and needs. His intention for Palo Alto Discoveries is simple and powerful: to bring joy, knowledge, and meaning to an underutilized space, while honoring the stories already embedded in this place.

Art Beyond the Gallery Walls

This partnership with Palo Alto Public Art reflects a shared belief: art should be accessible, visible, and woven into daily life. Public art invites spontaneous moments of wonder—on a walk to coffee, between errands, or while passing through an alley you’ve never really noticed before.

For Pacific Art League, the mural is also a natural extension of our mission. For over a century, PAL has been a place where creativity, education, and community meet. Having an artist like Nigel activate our exterior space reinforces that art doesn’t stop at the gallery door—it spills out into the city, into conversation, into shared experience.

Nigel Sussman at work on January 27, 2026