New transportation-themed public artwork is now visible to pedestrians and motorists alike along the Sierra Madre Villa Pedestrian Corridor between Colorado Blvd. and the Sierra Madre Villa Metro Light Rail Station.
Artist Kyungmi Shin installed the new artwork entitled “Road Blossoms” after being granted final approval from the Pasadena City Council last year. Shin used the light poles and the 300-foot retaining wall along the 210 Freeway underpass to create the artwork that consists of painted metal “word sculptures” and poetry medallions.
The combination of words and images enhances the recent sidewalk expansion, lighting and landscaping on the east side of the underpass, officials say.
The light poles contain double-sided action-oriented word sculptures, some of which say “Journey” with an image of a modern train, or “Breathe” with two adults jogging.
The mural painting includes a combination of circular designs inspired by wheels referencing the various modes of transportation highlighted in the artwork banners.
The color palette contains orange, yellow, green and chartreuse and references grapes, oranges and the sun in homage to the cultivated farms in the early agricultural settlements of East Pasadena.
Road Blossoms was developed jointly with the Planning and Community Development and Public Works departments of the city to create a colorful and inviting environment that encourages pedestrian activity along the underpass. It also creates a sense of place, city documents say, while contributing to Pasadena’s efforts to be “a city where people can circulate without cars.”
Road Blossoms was installed with a budget of $50,000 appropriated by the City Council to the Capital Public Art Fund in September 2012.
Under Capital Public Art program guidelines, the City’s Public Works Department will be responsible for regular maintenance and related costs.
