Matthew Cruz | Public Art in Montebello, CA

Fig. 1. Historical mural collage at Taylor Ranch Park in Montebello, California.

PHASE 1: THE SITE

For this project, the focus is on the city of Montebello, California. This site was chosen because it is a community that has recently become part of my daily environment. Since moving to the area within the past year, I have become more familiar with its public spaces, neighborhoods, and overall environment. This familiarity makes it a practical location for conducting the field research. The site reflects a suburban setting where public art may be less visible but still contributes to identity of the community. Studying this location will help me develop a clearer understanding of how public spaces function and how art exists within everyday life.

Montebello has a history that dates back into Indigenous Tongva communities and later Spanish missionary settlement associated with the founding of the nearby San Gabriel Mission in 1771. The area later developed into an agricultural town known for flower nurseries, citrus groves, and other farming activities. During the early twentieth century, the discovery of oil contributed to economic growth and urban development. Montebello was officially incorporated in 1920 and has since evolved into a diverse suburban community within the greater Los Angeles region. (City of Montebello – Government)

PHASE 2: FIELD WORK 

The site visits will take place at several locations across the city. The route begins at Taylor Ranch Park on North Montebello Boulevard, continues to the Montebello Library on West Beverly Boulevard, and ends at Vista de JJ Rodriguez at 128 South 6th Street. I chose these locations because they represent different kinds of public spaces, including recreational, educational, and community environments.

1. Utility Box Beautification Program (2021)

Fig. 2. Utility box artwork (front) by Abhirami Ram, Taylor Ranch Park, Montebello.

Fig. 3. Utility box artwork (back) by Abhirami Ram, Taylor Ranch Park, Montebello.

This artwork was created by a local artist named Abhirami Ram as part of Montebello's Utility Box Beautification Program. According to the information from the City of Montebello, the program aims to turn ordinary traffic signal control boxes into public art in order to make the city feel more visually engaging and to support local artists. (City of Montebello)

From my personal observations, the artwork is located near a park area where people walk, relax and pass by throughout the day. The bright colors and landscape imagery makes it easy to notice, especially compared to the surrounding grass, sidewalks, and traffic area. At the same time, since it is still a working utility box, many people may pass by without stopping to look at it. This shows how public art in this kind of setting can become part of the everyday surroundings. Its placement show how art can exist within people's daily routines while still adding some personality to the space.

2. Science and Humanities (1966)

Fig. 4. Science mosaic by Livio Napolitani, Montebello Library, Montebello, California.

Fig. 5. Humanities mosaic by Livio Napolitani, Montebello Library, Montebello, California.

This artwork titled Science and Humanities was created by Livio Napolitani and is located at the Montebello Library. The pieces was made in 1966 and is part of the county's civic art collection. The artworks are glass mosaics, which uses small colored tiles to form detailed images related to themes of science, knowledge and human culture. ("Science and Humanities")

When looking at them, the symbols and images seem to represent different subjects and fields that people learn over time. The humanities side feels more focused on culture, ideas, and human experiences, while the science side shows learning as something that develops over time. The symbols above likely represents different discoveries and areas of knowledge that people have built. These murals connect well to the purpose of the library since it is a place where people stop by to gain knowledge and explore different subjects.

3. "Madre e Hijo" Art Mural (2025)

Fig. 6. Madre e Hijo, mural by John Park, Montebello.

Fig. 7. Vista de JJ Rodriguez, 128 S 6th St, Montebello.

This mural, “Madre e Hijo” (2025) by John Park, is about motherhood, nature, and cultural identity. It shows a mother and child surrounded by plants and symbols connected to Mexican culture and Montebello’s agricultural history. The artist explains that he wanted to combine Mother Nature with traditional Catholic imagery of the Virgin Mary (Park, Instagram, May 15, 2025).

The mural stands out because it is detailed and colorful against the plain blue building. It feels calm but powerful, especially the way the mother holds the child. It also feels meaningful to the area because it connects to culture and history. Since it’s on a residential building, it blends into everyday life and feels more natural in the space.

PHASE 3: CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Based on the artworks I’ve observed in Montebello, there seems to be a focus on community identity, education, and everyday life rather than specific historical events or individual groups. For example, the library mosaic represents learning, while Madre e Hijo by John Park reflects themes of family and care. The utility box artwork feels more decorative and community-based. Overall, the public art in Montebello appears more general and symbolic, rather than directly highlighting diverse voices or specific communities.

It seems like the city plays a big role in deciding and funding the art, especially through programs like the Utility Box Beautification Program. This means city departments are likely choosing the artists and approving the projects. While this helps keep things organized, it might also mean the community doesn’t have as much say in what gets made. The art feels mostly planned by the city, but there could be more chances for the community to be involved and represented.

PHASE 4: PROPOSAL

Montebello has limited public art, and much of it is not very visible throughout the city. There are only a few artworks, and many are easy to overlook unless you are actively looking for them. Personally, public art does not always feel like a strong part of everyday life in the city.

To improve this, I would propose adding more community-based public art projects across Montebello. This could include more murals, created with local residents, students, and students that reflect the culture and identity of the area. Involving the community in the process may allow people to feel more connected to the artworks, rather than just viewing them as something placed by the city.

I think it would also help to place new artworks in more visible and high-traffic areas, such as main streets, parks, and public buildings. Right now, some pieces blend into their surroundings, so increasing visibility would make the art easier to notice and interact with.

Another idea is to expand programs like the Utility Box Beautification Program into larger scaled projects, like a full wall mural or installations. This would build on what the city is already doing, while creating a stronger impact.

By increasing both the amount and visibility of public art, Montebello could feel more vibrant and expressive. Creating stronger connections between people and their environment, also making public spaces feel more meaningful.

SOURCES:

City of Montebello – Government.
“100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY – City of Montebello.” YouTube,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtUlPynC-Es

City of Montebello. Utility Box Beautification Program Artwork at Taylor Ranch Park. City of Montebello, 2021,
https://www.montebelloca.gov/departments/recreation_community/utility_box_beautification_program

Science and Humanities. 1966.
Public Art Archive, Los Angeles County Arts Commission Civic Art Collection,
https://publicartarchive.org/art/Science-and-Humanities/c916533f

Park, John.“Madre e Hijo.” Instagram, 15 May 2025, https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrUTVSJ4Iy/