On the same day that Mike S and I went to Bellflower to view the finger art we went to Santa Fe Springs to see their public art. It turned out to be well worth the visit. I’ve put together an album on Flickr and have a few of my favorite here.
Snail Fountain
To understand why this is surprising you have to know that Santa Fe Springs is a city in name only. If you don’t live there or work there you probably have never been there. Today it has only 17,000 residents but lots of businesses. It was flush with money in the 1960’s and 70’s and built some nice public building. Since the 1990’s they have cleverly required all new construction that is not single family residences to install some public art. This small move has differentiated then from all of the neighboring towns and created a very nice public atmosphere.
An old oil well as art
A lot of the art is the sentimental type.
But some is quite creative
and some borders on whimsical.
Mike pointed out that the hunt for public art often turns up unexpected surprises and this trip was no exception. Santa Fe Springs has a beautiful historic park with restored pioneer homes and a reconstructed Native American village.
You can see more photos here. For people from Pasadena or LA it is hard to believe but Santa Fe Springs is worth a visit. Exit the 605 at Telegraph and go East.
Discover more from Simon Burrow
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
wow thanks for sharing! I never woud have thought of Santa Fe Springs as anything, but the idea of requiring public art is fantastic.
Dear Simon,
I am so glad you enjoyed our public art. I am happy to reoprt that the Heritage Art Committee just commissioned a new art piece for the Cesar Chavez Reading Garden which will be our 76th artwork for the city. Santa Fe Springs is truly a hidden gem. I hope when you return you will stop by the library and say hello.
Best,
Hilary Keith
Director of Library and Cultural Services
City of Santa Fe Springs