A public art installation at the Santa Maria Transit Center celebrates the city’s evolution throughout the past five decades. On July 28, city staff held an unveiling event for the community.
“Designed by local artists Loyal and Joan Newville, the mural, The Spirit of Santa Maria: A Journey Through Time, celebrates the community’s transportation history and natural beauty,” according to the city. “The artwork depicts Santa Maria’s evolution through stagecoaches, railroads, aviation, and today’s SMRT transit system, illustrating how transportation has connected people, places, and opportunities throughout the community.”
The project was made possible by a collaboration between the city’s Public Works Transit Division and the Recreation and Parks Department.
“It celebrates the people, history, and progress of Santa Maria while recognizing the important role public transit has played in connecting our community for the past 50 years,” Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smitherman said in a press release.
See the mural at the Santa Maria Transit Center near the ticketing windows, located at 400 Boone St. For more information about public transportation, visit cityofsantamaria.org.
This article appears in August 6 – August 13, 2026.
