Spring Awakening :
Art & Cumbia

Environmental design and event campaign for a public art celebration at the Presidio of San Francisco.

I designed nine custom canopy compositions that brought together artwork from three Ancestral Futurism chapters, then extended the visual language across park signage, event signage, flyers, posters, and social media graphics.

Role: Lead Designer — Environmental Graphics, Event Visual Design & Print Production

Deliverables: 9 custom canopy designs · Artwork interpretation signage · Event signage · Flyers · Posters · Social media graphics

Project at a Glance:

09

Custom Canopy Designs

03

Art chapters brought together

02

Connected Experiences

04+

Types of Promotional Collateral

Favianna Rodriguez with her series of canopies. Original artwork by the contributing artists, reinterpreted into a cohesive series of nine canopy compositions by Carolina Aguirre.

The Challenge:

Spring Awakening brought together artwork from three chapters of the Ancestral Futurism project: Harmony Unleashed (2023), Super Bloom (2024), and the broader Ancestral Futurism installation. Each had its own artist, visual language, and story.

The challenge was to bring these works together through nine cohesive canopy designs while preserving the individuality of the original artwork. Beyond the installation, the accompanying event needed its own connected visual presence—one that introduced visitors to the artwork, celebrated its arrival in the park, and communicated the event across physical and digital touchpoints.

Process Videos

PART 5 — Spring Awakening Event

All process videos are from my social media account, where I share my work process. Curious? Check it out →

PART 2 — The Test Print: Designing

ART 1 — The Brainstorm: Designing

PART 4 — The Installation: Designing

PART 3 — The Event Brand: Designing

Event Signage

Canopy Signage: Front

Canopy Signage: Back

Signage: In Memory of Tosha Stimage

Process:

I developed a visual system that connected the original artwork to both the physical installation and the event surrounding it.

01 — Environmental & Canopy Design

I studied the artwork across all three chapters, identifying recurring colors, patterns, and motifs to create nine original canopy compositions. Each design adapted elements of the existing artwork into a new large-format application while contributing to a cohesive installation.

I also designed interpretive signage displayed in the park to introduce visitors to the canopies and provide context for the artwork.

02 — Event Visual Identity & Communications

Building on the visual language of the installation, I designed the event's supporting creative materials for Spring Awakening: Art & Cumbia. The deliverables included event signage celebrating the new umbrella artwork, flyers, posters, and social media graphics shared by the Presidio.

Across each format, I focused on maintaining visual consistency while adapting the artwork and messaging to the needs of different physical and digital applications.

03 — Print Production & Installation

I prepared the canopy artwork for large-format fabric/vinyl production and coordinated production requirements to bring the designs from concept to physical installation. The supporting signage and event collateral extended the experience beyond the canopies, helping visitors connect the artwork with the celebration.

Outcome:

Nine custom canopy designs, interpretive park signage, and event campaign assets connected the artwork to a shared public experience. The visual system extended across large-format printing, environmental graphics, and digital promotion, carrying the installation's identity from the park into the event's communications.

Go check out the designs at the Presidio of San Francisco while it’s still there!

In Memory of Tosha Stimage:

Spring Awakening also became an opportunity to honor Tosha Stimage, one of the artists whose work informed the canopy series. Following her passing in March 2026, the event included a celebration of her life, recognizing her contributions to the Presidio and to the project. Her artwork remains an important part of the visual story carried forward through this installation.

Event Poster in Memory of Tosha Stimage, designed by Carolina Aguirre

Spring Awakening : Art & Cumbia