The city of San Luis Obispo’s impressive public art collection just got bigger. Shift, a new 1,200-pound, three-story sculpture by local artist and architect Warren Hamrick and a team of artists and fabricators, was installed in the roundabout at Froom Ranch Road and Heirloom Place. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) collaborates on the city’s public art program.
“Shift (2022) is a work of public art that speaks to our changing attitudes towards the environment, the social and political landscape, and the economy,” SLOMA explained on its website. “The sculpture, depicting a fractured world, serves as a call for unity and collective care. Through its use of sustainable materials and simple, powerful forms, Shift encourages reflection on transformation and resilience. Its dynamic, inclusive design invites viewers to consider how collaboration across communities and sectors can shape a more connected future.”
Hamrick, a longtime practicing architect, has also been an adjunct professor of architecture at Cal Poly’s School of Architecture and at Cuesta College. The Main Company completed the installation in coordination with the City’s Public Works and Parks and Rec teams. Rob Foster and Lee Engelmeier of Buehler Engineering provided fabrication and welding support. Δ
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 5, 2026.