What is Public Art?
Public art is artwork in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is acquired through public or private funding. Public art can be a sculpture, mural, manhole cover, paving pattern, lighting, seating, building facade, kiosk, gate, fountain, play equipment, engraving, carving, fresco, mobile, collage, mosaic, bas-relief, tapestry, photograph, drawing, or earthwork.
In the transit arena, public art is often found at stations and transit centers, along the right-of-way, on signage and access ramps, as well as temporary during construction. Typical samples of transit art are featured on canopies, clocks, paving (such as platform, parking and crosswalks), poles, fencing, lighting, landscaping, poles, railing and seating and trash receptacles. These are examples of public art that have been used in various transit projects in the United States. Some of these components may be considered as opportunities for artists working with the Foothill Extension project.
Many functional aspects of a transit system can be transformed and enlivened by the application of art and artistic ideas providing for a unique representation of each community and station.
Nationwide, transit agencies throughout the country have participated for decades in developing and refining art programs. Research into this experience reveals a wide range of ways in which art has contributed to enhancing the everyday act of commuting.
Artworks that celebrate the history, culture and people of the region are important and will be included in Phase II of the Gold Line Extension project. We hope you enjoy a "sneak peek" of what is in store.
Community Design Workshops
From Spring through Fall of 2006, workshops were held in each of the Segment 1 cities (Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale, and Azusa) to give residents and other interested parties an opportunity to meet the artists and get a preview of the artwork and design being developed for each Gold Line station.
Click here for a review of what was seen and discussed at the meetings.