Golden Gate Park is filled with public art installations, from murals painted on the roads to unique sculptures regularly popping up throughout the park. This July, a new installation is coming to the iconic park after previously being displayed at Burning Man.
The sculpture in question is a massive, 100-foot serpent named Naga, which is currently being installed in Rainbow Falls Pond. Naga & The Captainess is the work of artists Cjay Roughgarden, Stephanie Shipman, and Jacquelyn Scott, who first debuted their work at Burning Man 2024. The mythical sea serpent is covered in thousands of scales that glow with light, and you might even catch Naga blowing bubbles.
“We want this to be a space where people gather, linger, and dream,” said Stephanie Shipman, co-creator of the installation. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the city, the volunteers, and the entire park community.”
Naga & The Captainess is the work of architectural metal artist Cjay Roughgarden, who is based in Oakland. Roughgarden is assisted by Bay Area artists Stephanie Shipman and Jacquelyn Scott. The new installation will officially open with a family-friendly celebration on July 26, featuring a mermaid parade among other activities. On July 28, the Grand Lighting will occur, complete with dancing and music.
The new sculpture is part of a collaboration between arts nonprofit Illuminate, SF Recreation and Parks, and the artists. The sculpture’s installation is funded primarily through major philanthropic gifts, but organizers are still looking for more donations to reach their fundraising goal.
“We do this not because it is easy, but because it is difficult,” said Ben Davis, founder of Illuminate. “Thousands of hands and hearts have touched Naga. That sense of generosity, love, and shared purpose is what truly shines from the work.”
Illuminate is responsible for many recognizable art installations throughout the city, including the Bay Lights, Grace Light, and most recently WELCOME, a massive laser Pride flag that illuminated the city during Pride weekend.