Best Public Art In Orange County

The best public art in Orange County is found in locales ranging from peaceful settings to city streets. 'California Scenario,' a modern sculpture garden, is between two office buildings in Costa Mesa. At Brown's Park and The Heisler Park Sculpture Garden, art is accompanied by an ocean view. The Whittier Historical Society mural adds a splash of color to a city street, and the painted utility boxes in San Clemente brighten many streets.

California Scenario
611 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92622
www.irvinecompanyoffice.com

Tucked between two office buildings in Costa Mesa is a delightful sculptural garden that portrays six different geographical regions in California. Isamu Noguchi's 'California Scenario' was built on land that was once a lima bean farm owned by the Segerstrom family. The centerpiece of the garden is 'The Spirit of the Lima Bean,' a sculpture of rust-colored granite rocks. The sculpture represents Henry Segerstrom's friendship with Noguchi and the Segerstrom family's contribution to the agricultural history of southern California.

Whittier Historical Society Mural
6755 Newlin Ave.
Whittier CA 90601
(562) 945-3871
www.whittiermuseum.org

It's hard to miss Dennis McGonagle's mural on the Whittier Historical Society and Museum. McGonagle and his assistant, Tyler Kinnaman, have vividly illustrated the history of Whittier on two exterior walls of the Museum. The most dramatic feature is a bright red 1954 Chevrolet, shown driving down Beverly Blvd. Also highlighted are prominent figures in Whittier's history, including Pio Pico, Jonathan and Rebecca Bailey and Harriet Russell Strong. Four Bricks, the first commercial building in Whittier, is depicted in a rural setting surrounded by the Whittier Hills.

Brown's Park
551 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach CA 92651
(949) 497-0722
www.laguna-beach-info.com

Laguna Beach's Brown Park is one of the areas most unique parks for its beautiful sculpture and breathtaking views. Facing the ocean, Jason Kopydlowski's 'Tranquil Moment' is a bronze sculpture with two chairs with a table between them. At the end of the walkway in the park, visitors will reach an overlook with two stained glass fence rails holding a beautiful poem.

Related: Most Thought-Provoking Statues Or Public Art In Orange County

Heisler Park Sculpture Garden
375 S. Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach CA 92651
(949) 494-2654
www.publicartinpublicplaces.info

At the Heisler Park Sculpture Garden, it's easy to find beautiful sculptures no matter where you are in the park. One such example is by Naomi and Scott Schoenherr and is presented in a tranquil setting in the park where you'll find four mosaics, two bronze sculptures with ceramic inlay, and large natural stone slab benches. In 'Time Connected,' interlocking wheels contain ceramic tiles with images of local plants and insects. 'The Tidal Pull' shows fish that appear to swim in circular motions, and 'Continuous Rotation' represents the flow of water. Visitors can relax on benches while absorbing and interpreting these fascinating works of art.

Utility Box Beautification Program
San Clemente CA 92672
(949) 361-6196
www.san-clemente.org

It's understandable that most utility boxes go unnoticed these days, but in San Clemente, they have found a way to make them more than just a box. In fact, they are eye-catching. As part of the city's Utility Box Beautification Program, 16 boxes have been beautifully painted by local artists with a goal of using the colorful boxes to add to the charm of the city. A map and photos of the boxes are available at the website.

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