Art Benches

The Mill Valley Arts Commission Art Benches program provide several Art Benches in Mill Valley for all to enjoy!

The City and its Arts Commission install new artworks as part of the new Public Art Program, Art in Public Places. Art Benches are intended to provide a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing and restful place to enjoy the natural surroundings in Mill Valley. Artwork selected prioritizes beautiful organic design and benches made from environmentally sustainable and reclaimed materials.

The “Big Wave Bench” is the creation of artist and arborist, Chuck Oakander. A 25-year Bolinas resident, Chuck is a California arborist turned sculptor with a passion for making functional, fun benches and sculpture from tree trunks.

Thanks to a generous gift to the City from The Outdoor Art Club (grant sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce’s Enjoy Mill Valley Fund), this Art Bench can now be enjoyed by the community as part of the playground area, opposite the Old Mill, in Old Mill Park.

The Asymmetric Art Bench at the corner of Miller and Evergreen Avenues is the work of prominent Bay Area Artist Colin Selig who creates public art from recycled propane tanks. Colin’s work explores the boundary between sculpture and sustainable design. Mr. Selig studied metal sculpting at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston while earning a degree in Philosophy from Tufts University in 1987, and has artworks in a range of public settings throughout the US.

Thanks to the support of property owner Jim Lavarone, (owner of Mill Valley Refuse), the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce and Whole Foods Market, the City was able to acquire this Art Bench for installation along the Miller Avenue streetscape for all to enjoy.

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