Based in RIchmond, California — creating work for public space, architecture, and the built environment

Large-scale sculpture, public art, and site-responsive installations

cjay roughgarden portfolio

Cjay Roughgarden creates large-scale metal sculpture, public art installations, and site-responsive work for civic spaces, architecture, and the built environment. Her practice focuses on structure, movement, and material, creating work that is experienced physically as well as visually.

Artist-Led Work

Metal Sculpture + Public Art

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A monumental sea serpent installation featuring light, movement, and custom bubble effects within Golden Gate Park’s Rainbow Falls.

Public Art Installation

2025 • Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, LEDs, acrylic, custom bubble systems

2025 • Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA • Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, LEDs, acrylic, custom bubble systems

naga

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An interactive environment featuring a glowing sea serpent, a sinking ship, and a richly detailed narrative world built by more than 250 volunteers.

Public Art Installation

2024 • Black Rock City, NV
Steel, wood, lighting, fire effects, mixed media

2024 • BRC, NV • Steel, wood, lighting, fire effects, mixed media

Naga and the Captainess

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A sculptural pergola designed to support dining, lighting, and future plant growth.

Architectural Sculpture

2024 • Alameda, CA
steel

Nouveau Pergola

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Three lace-inspired kinetic sculptures bringing movement and playfulness to the Highway 20 Art Park.

Kinetic Public Art

2023 • Willits, CA
Powder-coated steel, stainless steel

lace pinwheels

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A sculptural fire feature designed as a permanent wedding landmark and gathering space.

Private Commission

2022 • Boise, ID
Painted steel, propane

ring of fire

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A memorial artwork installation honoring a young sailor through a flock of seven suspended doves.

Collaboration with muralist

2021 • Oakland, CA
Powder-coated steel

Doves for Yonim

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A sculptural fire feature combining wood-burning and propane elements within a cantilevered spiral form.

Functional Sculpture

2020 • Berkeley, CA
Corten steel

corten spiral

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An Art Nouveau-inspired sculpture influenced by the decorative language of Alphonse Mucha.

Public Sculpture

2019 • Bristol, UK
Powder-coated steel

Zlatičko

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A lotus-inspired fire sculpture that combines warmth, light, and botanical form.

Functional Sculpture

2018 • Alameda, CA
Steel, propane

Lotus Fire Pit

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A series of oversized poppy pods exploring cycles of growth, decay, and transformation.

Sculptural Installation

2018 • San Francisco, CA
Patinated steel, propane

rest / the poppies

Cjay Roughgarden is an artist and fabricator based in Richmond, California, working in steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, and brass. Her work explores structure, movement, and material — often incorporating elements of light, motion, and interaction.

Trained as a TIG welder and certified in structural welding processes, she brings a deep understanding of fabrication into her sculptural practice. Her work spans public art, architectural installations, and commissioned pieces designed for specific spaces.

Making work that is both functional and visually compelling remains central to her practice.