A New Vision Takes Shape Along Soscol Avenue

June 13, 2025
1 min read
A behind-the-scenes look at Downstream, a striking new public artwork by Napa-based artist and architect Jacques Lesec, soon to take shape along the Soscol Avenue medians.

About the Artist and Concept

Jacques is one of Napa’s most recognizable creative voices, known for bringing color, movement, and meaning to our shared spaces. His towering poppy sculptures have become the heartbeat of BottleRock—vibrant landmarks and natural gathering spots for festivalgoers. His glowing installations have also become a signature feature of Napa’s annual Lighted Art Festival, lighting up downtown with creativity and warmth.

With a background in architecture, Jacques blends precision with poetry. Downstream reimagines the curves of the Napa River through plasma-cut steel, creating sculptural silhouettes that reflect the flow of water, the passage of time, and the evolving story of this valley.

A proud Napa local, Jacques continues to beautify the valley with work that inspires, connects, and celebrates our shared landscape.

This project is made possible through funding from the City of Napa’s Public Art Fund, supported by developer in-lieu contributions, the City’s General Fund, and the Public Works Department. It’s a meaningful investment in art that enhances public spaces and celebrates the spirit of the community.

So nice to see Katrina Gregory and Sarah Winski from the City of Napa’s Parks and Recreation Department at today’s preview. Special thanks to both of them for organizing this sneak peek and helping make public art like this possible.


Michael Cuffe is the Founder and Principal of Napa Valley Creative Agency, a full-service social media and branding studio specializing in wineries, resorts, and hospitality brands across Napa Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. With more than 20 years of experience managing large-scale social platforms, leading public relations campaigns, and developing brand voices that feel authentic and enduring, Michael brings deep platform-level expertise to every engagement. His work, widely referenced through his professional presence on LinkedIn, reflects a long track record of growing audiences, driving engagement, and translating creative storytelling into measurable results through content creation, paid social, influencer relations, brand partnerships, photography, and cinematic video production.

Michael is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of California’s Napa Valley, a locally rooted tourism platform dedicated to the culture, people, and businesses that define Napa Valley beyond the tasting room. An internationally recognized photojournalist and filmmaker, his work has appeared in major publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and The Guardian, and his photography is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary Saving Banksy. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television Production, Michael brings an editorial sensibility and documentary approach to every project, helping brands communicate with clarity, credibility, and cultural relevance.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Follow Us

ADVERTISEMENT

About Us

California’s Napa Valley is your trusted guide to Napa Valley’s people, culture, and standout businesses. From luxury stays and Michelin-recognized dining to unforgettable sips, we reveal the region as locals know it, beyond the tasting room.

Authors

Previous Story

Napa Valley Style: The Rise of Agrarian Chic

Next Story

$10 Million Went Straight Into Napa’s Future Vineyard Stars

Latest from Blog

Among Vines and Glass: Bella Union’s Quiet Revolution in Rutherford

Just off Highway 29, in the legendary Rutherford bench of Napa Valley, a slender prism of glass rises above the vines, a floating pavilion that seems born of light. This is Bella Union, the newest flagship of Far Niente Wine Estates, occupying a once-anonymous Provenance production facility on a 120-acre site
GoUp

Don't Miss