Broadway Street to Gain New ‘Birds’

Some new “birds” will soon be taking up residence along Broadway Street in downtown.

Don’t worry—City officials say these birds are their welcome guests, invited here to help beautify the street, and hopefully attract new crowds to downtown as well.

The “Birds of Broadway,” as they have been named, are six specially-commissioned bird statues, crafted by carefully selected artists as part of a new project by the Redwood City Civic Cultural Commission and the Peninsula Arts Council.

Coming Oct. 20, the first of these six statues, nicknamed “B.O.B.,” will be unveiled at a celebratory event called the “Meet B.O.B. Mixer.”

As well as serving as a celebration of October as “Arts and Humanities Month” in Redwood City, the mixer will offer locals several opportunities—the chance to network with other local professionals, business owners and City representatives, and, of course, the chance to meet Redwood City’s very first Broadway-bound bird.

This first statue was created by artist Joe Pogan of Portland, Oregon, using a variety of found metals including spoons, nails, buttons, screws and other scrap metal. Beth Mostovoy, a Peninsula Arts Council board member, says the found materials add uniqueness and charm and lend an “eco-friendly” characteristic to the sculpture.

“We really like what Joe Pogan did,” said Mostovoy. “When people see B.O.B., they’re going to be very excited to see him.”

Mostovoy said, once all six sculptures have been installed in various spots along Broadway Street, the idea is that a plaque will be added, explaining the “Birds on Broadway” project and challenging people to a fun game of trying to find all six.

Mostovoy said, the City, Peninsula Arts Council and Civic Cultural Commission hope the project will not only beautify the street and add a little fun to the area, but drive new business downtown as well.

“One of the things we’re all about is trying to get people to downtown Redwood City, and art is a big part of that,” Mostovoy explained. “We’re really trying to make Redwood City a destination for art and artists.”

The city also has hosted its bi-monthly this summer as well as the first Jewelry on the Square events in hopes of branding Redwood City as the "Arts and Entertainment Destination of the Peninsula." and also brought life to downtown Redwood City throughout the week. 

“So, we hope people will hear about the bird challenge, and want to walk around trying the restaurants and shops [while looking for them],” she added.

Mostovoy said the “Meet B.O.B. Mixer” promises to be a fun event and she hopes a lot of people will come, celebrate this new project, network their businesses, and see the first bird statue by Pogan.

“B.O.B. is a cool little guy,” she said. “He’s a lot of fun.”

The “Meet B.O.B. Mixer” will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at , 2616 Broadway St. No-host cocktails will be served.