May Flower Initiative Expanded for Second Year in Downtown San Luis Obispo

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, April 27, 2021 – By popular demand, the May Flower Initiative returns to Downtown San Luis Obispo in May. The May Flower Initiative launched in May 2020 as a community art project during the first COVID-19 shutdown, a time of great uncertainty. The initial purpose was to give people a reason to safely visit and support downtown businesses and bring joy and hope to our district. This year’s May Flower Initiative will showcase the creativity, innovation, and resilience of local businesses, their employees, and local artists, transforming the windows of businesses and buildings into canvases on display for the public to enjoy.

In 2021, 87 locations will be decorated by 75 artists, who will create beautiful floral artwork in the storefront windows for the public to admire. The initiative will also include a Plaza Pop-Up featuring decorations and activities in Mission Plaza in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo.

“These grant recipients demonstrate the creativity and entrepreneurial thinking that have historically driven successful revitalization on Main Street and will be key to navigating recovery,” said Main Street America’s President and CEO Patrice Frey. “I’m inspired by the innovative projects these communities have proposed, and I know they will serve as models and sources of inspiration for Main Street programs across the country as they enter the next phase of reopening.”

Window Blossoms

See below (page three on attached PDF) for a complete list of Participating Businesses and Artists. Downtown SLO would like to thank all of the business and property owners for their enthusiasm surrounding this project. Thanks also to the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council for their assistance with the Call for Artists. 

Downtown SLO is exceedingly grateful to the 75 artists who have dedicated their time, talent, and creativity to this initiative. Each window is a different and carefully crafted work of art.

“Spring represents a sense of new, fresh beginnings, which has made being a part of The May Flower Initiative so amazing! My daughters and I loved creating the window art for Hotel SLO! Miners Ace Hardware even donated paints to us to use. We are grateful to be among so many talented artists making downtown SLO bloom in May.” - Rani Shah, artist

“Habitat Home and Garden is so proud to be a part of the Downtown community and its commitment to bring everyone together again! Our artist, Laura Best, was a dream to work with and we are so grateful for all of her effort to make our storefront special. We can't wait to see all of the windows come to life!" - Rachel Ventura, Habitat Home and Garden 

Plaza Pop-Up

The Plaza Pop-Up in Mission Plaza will be the centerpiece of The May Flower Initiative. Guests are invited to order takeout and enjoy it at the tables and chairs, onsite daily from 11 am - 8 pm. The Plaza Pop-Up will include:

• “Spring Wings,” an art piece designed and built by the Cal Poly Rose Float Team. With the theme of local love in mind, Spring Wings tells a story of resurgence and change, represented by an installation featuring a garden display centering around a giant butterfly poised to take flight. The Rose Float Team will be installing this in three phases, on May 8, May 15, and May 22
• Colorful, interactive photo station created by Karson Butler Events, featuring ornamental horticulture butterflies designed by the Cal Poly Rose Float Team
• A Map of all 87 Window Blooms with a suggested walking tour
• Chalk Art Mural “The Progression of Motherhood” by Katy McGrath of Badger Branding, perfect for Mother’s Day celebrations on May 9
• Chalk art by Trust Automation Children’s Center Volunteers Chalk Art Crew
• 8-foot-tall lighted California poppy decoration perfect for photos

Scavenger Hunt — "Find and Protect the Monarchs"

About the presenting organization