East Los Angles Public art and Land Marks

 


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
Phase 3 : Critical Analysis 
Whittier Boulevard Arch "El Arco" was put up in 1986 as a symbol of the revitalization of the shopping district following the events of the anti war riots during the Vietnam war. Merchants came together with help from the state and gathered grants to assist in the revival. With given grants roads, sidewalks,  Buildings. This Monument was a cherry on top of the work of the community to bring back the attention that Whittier Boulevard deserved as latino shopping center.
Its important to note along with the sign the latino walk of fame was also created to honor notable latino figures and activists. and while it is a-little short lived due to funding, people like Cesar Chavez, Antonio Aguilar, and more where honored with these plaques. Its intention was to be a rival to the Hollywood hall of fame.     

 Phase 4: Proposal
Community has never been short when it comes to East Los Angeles and its been something I have grown to love over the years living here and while that his been strong I will say one thing I don't like is how much Whittier boulevard has again declined in appeal. Something that I would want to see is more official events that tie into the funding of more projects like the latino walk of fame. It's an opportunity to show outsiders of our culture what good we bring. A great example and a staple to East Los Angeles is Lowrider/Classic car cruises down the Blvd. these events are very regular and usually happen every so often if an official date annually placed by the city could find a way to get funds that could be placed toward the upkeep of the shopping center and also the new installation of landmarks and murals within the blvd bring more attention to the culture but also economical growth.       
 

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