Library Art - The renovated Studio City Branch Library was designed by Robert Lomelin, an architect with the L.A. Dept. of Public Works Bureau of Engineering, Architectural Division. The modern building houses various works of art. A project by Jacqueline and Ron Dreager features a painted wood tribute to the "Keystone Kops." A bronze actor/director's chair and bronze books engraved with quotes adorn the library's reading garden. Inside, a striking 25-foot stained glass window highlights the children's area. The window was created by Mark J. Levy and donated to the library in remembrance of Antonia Dell'Acqua, who helped the library purchase additional land for its expansion.

Murals of Enchantment
Paul Dilworth's artistry can be viewed at Geri's Cafe in Universal City, and at the Iliad Bookstore in North Hollywood. Educated in England, Paul has worked extensively as an artist for major animation studios. He particularly enjoys painting murals. His original works cover a broad range of styles and artistic techniques, including trompe l'oeil. From garden scenes to exotic landscapes, from friends and family to fairy tale characters, Murals of Enchantment can add ambience to a home or business. For more information and estimates, contact Murals of Enchantment.

Another mural can be found on the side of the Kiddies Creative Learning Center, a preschool located at 13242 Victory Blvd. Parent and artist Gary (a.k.a. Dove) Gertzweig volunteered his time and talents to paint the mural in 1999 while his son was attending the private school.

Freeway Mural Moves to Valley
Formerly visible from the Hollywood Freeway, Kent Twitchell's "Old Woman of the Freeway," will be recreated on the side of the Valley Institute of Visual Art (VIVA). The 1974 work, a tribute to Twitchell's grandmother, was painted over by a billboard company in 1986, then vandalized while being restored in 2000. The VIVA gallery is located at 13261 Moorpark Street and Fulton Avenue. Fundraising events are planned to help support the costs of the mural.

The Millenium Project
John Watkiss painted a series of murals at the Art Academy of Los Angeles (5211 Kester Ave. in Sherman Oarks) that portray the sweep of history reflected through art. It was installed in collaboration with other artists. The project also featured music by Richard Ray Harris, dance choreographed by Christopher Aponte, sculptures by Hiroshi Katagiri and bas-reliefs by Jeff Buccacio.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles is a half-mile long mural located in Valley Glen. It can be found on the west wall of the Tujunga Wash flood control channel between Oxnard St. and Burbank Blvd.

Judith Baca designed the historical artwork in 1974 and founded the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC). The organization's Neighborhood Pride program designs and paints murals citywide. It took artists and over 400 youths and their families six summers to paint the colorful mural which borders Valley College. It depicts events in the history of California from prehistoric times to the 1950's.

Recognized by the City Council as a Los Angeles monument, efforts are being directed toward its restoration and preservation. The mural is the longest in world, measuring 2,435 feet. The restoration will cost about $300,000 and the City of LA in June 2000 pledged $100,000 in matching funds.

To help restore the longest mural in the world, visit sparcmurals.org.

The City Art Collection

The City Art Collection is composed of approximately 2,000 artworks which have been acquired through gift, purchase and extended loan since the beginning of this century. The eclectic collection includes sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and textiles. Artworks in the Collection are located in over 100 municipal buildings, offices, parks, community centers, libraries and in the former Mayor's residence called the Getty House.

All gifts to the City must be approved by the Cultural Affairs Commission. Anyone who wishes to donate artwork must complete and submit an application which is reviewed by the Public Arts Committee, Cultural Affairs Commission and, when necessary, the City Council.

The purpose of the Collection is to promote understanding and awareness of the visual arts for City employees and visitors, to enhance the climate for artistic creativity and support, and to document and preserve the artistic heritage of the City of Los Angeles. To make the Collection more accessible, City officials and employees are encouraged to borrow artwork from the Collection for public display in their offices. Those who are interested in borrowing artwork must review and complete a Facility Report and a Loan Agreement with the City Art Collection Manager. The term of the loan is two years.

The Cultural Affairs Department is responsible for the inventory, maintenance, conservation and research of the City Art Collection. The Cultural Affairs Department can be reached at 213-485-ARTS.