San Francisco Arts Commission Announces Completed Restoration and Relocation of Pepe Ozan’s “Invocation” to Palega Recreation Center

SAN FRANCISCO (May 1, 2025) — The San Francisco Arts Commission is proud to announce the successful restoration and relocation of Invocation, a dynamic steel sculpture by the late San Francisco artist Pepe Ozan to its new permanent home at Palega Recreation Center in the city’s Portola neighborhood.

Originally commissioned in 2001 and installed in 2004 at the intersection of Cesar Chavez and Vermont Streets as part of the Cesar Chavez Boulevard bicycle infrastructure project, Invocation is a striking representation of a Mesoamerican Eagle Warrior, celebrating indigenous heritage and cultural resilience. Crafted from painted steel rod and perforated galvanized metal, the sculpture stands 8.5 feet tall with an 8-foot wingspan, and weighs 245 lbs.

Pepe Ozan (1939–2013), a prominent Mission District artist and filmmaker, was widely known for his monumental sculptures and immersive performances at Burning Man. His contributions to public art in San Francisco include works previously exhibited in Golden Gate Park and along the Blue Greenway Trail.

On March 22, 2023, Invocation was damaged by a fallen tree during a windstorm. Recognizing both the artistic value and community significance of the piece, the Arts Commission partnered with Caltrans and a professional art services contractor to remove the sculpture from its original site and transport it to secure fine arts storage. There, it underwent a meticulous conservation process to restore it to its original condition.

Following extensive community engagement and public input, the Arts Commission identified Palega Recreation Center as a more accessible and secure location for the sculpture.

In 2016, the San Francisco Arts Commission removed Zephyros, an outdoor kinetic sculpture by REBAR Art and Design Group from Palega Recreation Center due to mechanical failure. After thorough analysis it was determined that the artwork could not be safely returned to park.

Community feedback played a vital role in the relocation process. Public meetings, along with a public survey conducted in the summer of 2024, garnered strong support from local residents, with over 75% of survey respondents approving the move.

“The restoration and relocation of Pepe Ozan’s "Invocation" powerfully demonstrate the importance of collaborating with the community to identify and activate existing public spaces through art,” said Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs. “Bringing this artwork to Palega Recreation Center not only honors the artist’s legacy but also reaffirms the Arts Commission’s commitment to preserving and maintaining San Francisco’s Civic Art Collection.”

The sculpture is now installed at a central junction of outdoor pathways connecting Palega Recreation Center’s ball fields and entrances on Silliman and Felton Streets. Its new orientation faces north toward Silliman Street, providing optimal visibility and alignment with the surrounding landscape. A new interpretive plaque with information about the artist and the artwork will be added to the pedestal.

Restoration and conservation work was completed by Preservation Arts, based in Oakland, CA. Installation work was conducted by Atthowe Fine Art Services and coordinated to avoid disruption to park programming.

The total cost of the project was approximately $90,000, with funding and maintenance fully covered by the San Francisco Arts Commission.

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About The San Francisco Arts Commission
he San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is the City agency that champions the arts as essential to daily life by investing in a vibrant arts community, enlivening the urban environment and shaping innovative cultural policy. Our programs include: Civic Art Collection, Civic Design Review, Community Investments, Public Art, SFAC Galleries, and Art Vendor Licensing. To learn more, visit sfartscommission.org.