Sylmar

SYLMAR Public Art Projects

2005

Intersections

16 medal medallions affixed to light poles were created and installed along the main thoroughfares of Sylmar -- Glenoaks Boulevard, Polk Street, Foothill Boulevard and Hubbard Street. These medallions reflect the places where people’s feelings about Sylmar intersect – the natural beauty of the mountains and the many parks in the neighborhood, the area’s history as one-time home to largest olive groves in the United States and the horses frequently seen wondering local streets.

The creation of the medallions was part of a six-month community process that involved residents from throughout the community in considering what’s special about their neighborhood Local teenagers collected stories and images from community members at clinics, libraries, schools and businesses and worked to translate them into designs for the medallions

Students had the opportunity be inspired by two of Sylmar’s leading visionary artists, Juan Pueblo, a master sculptor and muralist, and 87 year-old Ambrose Meyer, metal worker extraordinaire and his sculptures forged from sheet metal, horseshoes, and other found metal objects. Project designs were submitted by local artists and selected through a juried process.

Artist Mentors: Ambrose Meyers, Juan Pueblo

Artists: Celia Contreras, Michelle Avila, Monica Sandoval, Jesus Medina, Antonio Tovar, Oneida Duenas, Mario Torres, Rosie Torres, Carla Fergadiotti, Micheal Giles, Israel Valasquez

Youth Mentors: Michael Centano, Beth Peterson, Mrs. Cook, Josh Rohal,

Local Partners: Sylmar Medical Center, Tia Chuchas Café and Centro Cultural, Sylmar Neighborhood Council, Sylmar High School Arts department, Mission College Arts Department, Parent Pioneers, Horseshoe Heaven