The City of Piedmont is pleased to share the preliminary conceptual design for the Sidney and Irene Dearing Memorial project, developed by Oakland-based artist Walter Hood, who is renowned internationally for his work crafting meaningful public spaces that invite the visitor to think in new ways about difficult moments in history.

In a video introducing the design, Hood discusses the vision and thought process that led to a concept he calls the “Dearing Portal.” The “portal,” an architectural sculpture, references domestic life through a doorway, a window, and a mailbox, described by Hood as “those simple, daily life rituals that we take for granted when we have a house.”

Inside the portal, educational displays tell the story of Sidney & Irene Dearing, who were subjected to a campaign of harassment, threats, and violence after purchasing their home in Piedmont in 1924. Looking up through the window, visitors will see a red mailbox with the name “Dearing” against an ever-changing background of mature redwood trees, while a mirror reflects a quote from artist Alicia Wormsley.

As the design is still at a preliminary conceptual stage, the final form may evolve as the City works with the design team around site constraints and details of feasibility, fabrication, and installation. The City plans to complete construction in 2026.

The Piedmont Beautification Foundation has named the Sidney & Irene Dearing Memorial the focus of their Spring 2025 fundraising campaign. Contributions can be made at piedmontbeautificationfoundation.org/donate.

Find more information about this project, designer Walter Hood, and add their name to a growing list of supporters at piedmont.ca.gov/Dearing.