The installation of 24 metal street sculptures, which wrap around street light poles in the Playhouse District of Pasadena, is under way this month.
It is part of the Pasadena Harlequinade Project.
"The sculpture images include a dragon, an astronomer, pianist, chef, dancer, trombone player and a zoot suiter, reflecting the rich diverse cultural heritage of the area," said Cynthia McGinley, manager of Henredon Interior Design, who chairs the Playhouse District Public Art Committee.
"The members have worked hard to find something that would embrace the arts and science of the area, as well as promote foot traffic to the district and be colorful and fun to look at."
Wayne Healy of East Los Streetscapes designed the sculptures, which are produced from octagonal steel cylinders. The metal is painted with the images, which have a subtle medieval look, to harmonize with the district's harlequin diamond logo. The sculptures will be visible at night as a result of solar lighting. Healy also came up with the idea of mounting them on the light poles so they can be viewed by both pedestrians and motorists.
There will be a Meet the Artist event on Sept. 24, where Healy will show the process from concept to completion.
"The project began in the late 1990s, so this is an exciting time," said McGinley. "Besides the dedicated committee members, Rochelle Branch, City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Public Art Coordinator, and Jonathan Glus, City of Pasadena's Executive Director for Arts were also instrumental in seeing the project to completion."