Thirty-nine local artists submitted work to fill Orange Avenue's banner poles from December 2026 through March 2027, and a volunteer committee has narrowed 144 entries down to 15.

The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission meets Thursday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave., to vote on the 2026-2027 Winter Orange Avenue Banner Series. Staff is recommending the commission approve 15 Celebrating Coronado Artist banner designs and three "Shop Local" banner designs, according to the meeting agenda package.

The vote is the sole action item.

The artist banners and Shop Local banners would each occupy 15 poles along Orange Avenue from First Street to Avenida de las Arenas. Each artist gets one pole; the three Shop Local designs rotate across the remaining 15. Staff recommends alternating artist and Shop Local banners along the corridor, with individual artist placements randomized to avoid preferential positioning.

How the selections were made

A Banner Committee made up of volunteers from the Cultural Arts Commission, Discover Coronado and the Public Art Working Team reviewed all 144 artwork submissions and ranked them. Commissioner Teresa Magdaleno was appointed to the review committee at the commission's June 25 meeting. Commission Chair Dawn Richards also listed jury review for the banner series among her activities during the July-August reporting period.

The program, established in 2016 and funded through a Discover Coronado Community Enhancement Grant, is now in its ninth season of Celebrate Coronado Artist banners. Since 2017, the series has featured more than 75 local artists and 120 different images of artwork.

Shop Local banners return

Staff recommends reusing the 2024 Shop Local banner designs, noting the existing banners remain in good condition. The Shop Local banners are produced in partnership with the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Discover Coronado.

The City Council voted Sept. 1 to alternate Orange Avenue banner rotations between nonprofits and artists each year, The Coronado News reported. Under that framework, the winter slot in an artist year goes to the Shop Local initiative.

"Everything we do is in support of all of our cultural arts partners and programs," Richards said in an Aug. 24 profile of the commission's goals published by Coronado News CA.

What happens next

If the commission approves the designs Thursday, they still require final approval from the City Council before installation. The banners are scheduled to hang from December 2026 through March 2027.

Residents who want to comment on the agenda item can contact the Arts Coordinator at (619) 522-7335 or [email protected], or submit written comments through the city's website.

Upcoming community events

  • Thursday, Sept. 10: Cultural Arts Commission special meeting, 4 p.m., Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave. Agenda includes a Spreckels Gallery department report on the "Rhythm & Form" reception and a Call for Artists for the C3 Winter Exhibition: Windows.
  • Saturday, Sept. 19: Coronado Public Library member meet and greet.