Whose City? Public Art, Power, and Representation in Urban Landscape Blog 2

  Civic Engagement Project – ART 3170 Whose City? Public Art, Power, and Representation in Los Angeles Site: Arts District, Los Angeles PHASE 1: THE SITE I selected the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles as the focus of this civic engagement project because it is one of the most concentrated and visually saturated public art environments in the city. The neighborhood is widely recognized for its murals, graffiti culture, and large-scale commissioned street art, yet it is also a rapidly gentrifying industrial district shaped by redevelopment, rising property values, and the expansion of creative industries. This makes it an especially important site for examining how public art operates not only as cultural expression, but also as a tool of urban branding, historical narration, and economic transformation. My familiarity with this area comes from multiple visits and sustained observation of how its visual landscape changes across blocks and ownership structures. Some walls reflec...

 Phase 1: The Site       I chose the Fernando Valenzuela Mural in Boyle Heights as my site because it represents a strong connection between art, culture, and community identity. Being familiar with the neighborhood allows me to better understand the meaning behind the artwork and how it reflects the identity of the people who live there.      I selected this site because the mural honors Fernando Valenzuela, an important figure in Los Angeles who inspired many people, especially within the Latino community. The mural was created by local artist Robert Vargas, who is also from Boyle Heights, which adds to its authenticity and connection to the neighborhood. This site stood out to me because it combines public art with community pride, history, and shared experiences.  Phase 2: Field Work     I documented the Fernando Valenzuela Mural, which is a large-scale mural painted on the side of an apartment building near First Street in Boyl...

Phase 1-  The Garden Gate (2004)- The Garden Gate celebrates the accomplishments of the women of Whittier past, present and future." "Women of Whittier" composed by sculptor Guy A. Wilson can be described as a 3 piece cast bronze sculptural tribute to Whittier's women, consisting of a pair of cast bronze double-sided high relief gate sculptures flanking a life-size sculpture of a small girl. How did you choose your site? Briefly discuss your history within the site and what made you choose the site. Growing up I had always seen this artwork while living as a resident in the city of Whittier. As I grew older and attended junior college at Rio Hondo I would drive past this artwork on a daily basis and was always curious as to what it was.    This sculpture installation was dedicated on October 9, 2004 and contains extensive inscriptions on the reverse sides of the two gate panels:  One of Whittier’s earliest settlers recognized the potential of this garden setting....

  Civic engagement: Downey, California Denisse Calderon ART 3170 Professor Aziz 12 April 2026                                   Phase 1: Location The location I chose is Downey Ca, I chose this because I have fond memories of this neighborhood, even though I do not reside there. All my life, I have always wanted to spend my time in Downey. Their malls and movie theatres kept all my attention durring highschool that I know the place like the back of my hand. I feel as though it truly is my neighborhood. Therefore, I know aswell all of the art the city has, both new and old.                                                                      Phase 2: Field work Produced by Stay...

  Phase 1 : The Site For the location of my civil engagement project I chose East Los Angeles because it not only is the city I grew up in which I still live in to this day, but it is a neighborhood rich with hispanic culture as well. The biggest thing that stands out to me about East LA is the pride that comes with being from it and the history behind it. If the Dodgers win the whole neighborhood comes out to the Boulevard to celebrate and as destructive as it may be its the community that bands together to show that pride of where they come from.  Phase 2 : Field Work   Artwork/landmark: Whittier Boulevard Arch A.K.A "El Arco"  Location: 4629 Whittier Blvd, East Los Angels, CA 90022 Materials: Metal  Reads: Whittier Boulevard East Los angels Commissioned by Whittier Boulevard Merchants Association Artwork/landmark: Latino Walk of Fame Location: Along Whittier Boulevard sidwalk  Material: Stone  Commissioned by Whittier Boulevard Merchants Association...

  The Site: Fontana, California I decided to choose the city of Fontana for this assignment because it's my neighborhood. This is the city I grew up in and I've always have had this sense of pride for my hometown. Over the years, I've seen my community grow over the course of years. The city has also become more present with public art bit by bit. Choosing Fontana has also allowed me to make a deep dive into the artworks and has given me the time to learn further more about public art in my city. Field Work Casey Courey-Pickering Foothill Blvd. & Oleander Ave. Utility Box Public Art Owen Cholid Sierra Ave. & Valencia Ave Utility Box Public Art Fontana has been holding contests for public artworks in an effort to beautify the city. These artworks placed on utility boxes throughout the city. These particular artworks stood out to me because of the way artist can contribute toward their community. I really enjoyed Casey's art piece with the space and astronaut them...

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT- SALAZAR PARK MURAL   This is a mural I saw at Salazar Park in East Los Angeles. LOCATION- The park, located at 3864 Whittier Boulevard, about 2 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles, is managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. PHASE 1- Site For my civic engagement project, I chose Salazar Park in East Los Angeles. I picked this location because it is part of my community and a place where people come together. It is a park that represents culture and history, especially through the murals and public art around it. I have seen this area before, but I never really paid attention to the meaning behind the artwork until this project. PHASE 2-  Field Work During my visit, I focused on this mural that stood out to me also because its a local park i been going too. The mural is very colorful and shows different people, symbols, and moments that represent culture and history. It looks like it tells a story about the Latino commu...

Public Art and Representation in the City of Brea April 10, 2026 By: Alec Camilo PHASE 1: THE SITE I chose the City of Brea for this project because I really like this city and am familiar with it. It is a peaceful suburb with parks, public spaces, and a welcoming environment that makes it easy to observe how people interact with their surroundings. One thing that stands out about Brea is how it combines the old and the new. The city takes pride in its history while also continuing to develop and improve for the future. This balance made it interesting to study because public art in Brea reflects both its past identity and its modern growth. Being able to explore a place I already know allowed me to better understand how art fits into the community and how it represents the people who live there.   PHASE 2: FIELD WORK “Prelude” by Robert Cunningham, Location:  SEC (Southeast Corner) Central & Puente, Brea, CA Artist: Robert Cunningham Theme: Movement and balance (abst...

  Phase 1: The Site For my Civic Engagement project, I have chosen Lincoln Park as my site due to the fact that I have live there for a very long time and it is a place where I go for a walk so that I can relieve some stress whenever I finish doing my work.  In addition, I have seen how Lincoln Park can serve as an important gathering spot where history can meet with local culture. Phase 2: Field Work Lincoln Park Location: 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031 During my fieldwork at Lincoln Park, I took photographs of both monument between the 1926 bronze monument Abraham Lincoln and the Wall of Las Memorias AIDS Monument. The Lincoln statue, crafted by Julia Bracken Wendt on July 4th, 1926, utilizes a symbol of justice and national unity. In addition, the Wall of Las Memorias, designed by architect David Angelo and public artist Robin Brailsford on December 1st, 2004, serves as a Latino community driven site with granite wall with artistic imagery that serves as ...