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Most Thought-Provoking Statues Or Public Art In Orange County

statue 610
(credit: Shutterstock)

These profound statues and public art are a must-see when visiting the area. Check out the unique stories associated with each piece of art, and be inspired by all things odd and interesting right here in Orange County.

McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project
McFadden Square at the base of Newport Pier
Newport Beach, CA
(949) 717-3870
www.newportbeachca.gov

The McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project was presented in 2008 and displays important historical events in Newport Beach in the last 100 years. Created by artist Hank Kaminsky, this bronze sculpture is five feet in diameter and is surrounded by granite benches and a walking path that recognize the city's key historical events. This project was funded by more than 650 donators, and the names of the donating parties are inscribed on the granite surfaces in the project. If you're interested in your name being listed on this Newport Beach landmark, you are in luck, because there are still opportunities to donate.

fallen david
(credit: Andrew K./Yelp)

Fallen David
(north of the Education Classroom Building)
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
www.fullerton.edu/

You may ask why this sculpture is broken into pieces, and why some parts of the statue are displayed on the ground. Well, this replica of Michelangelo's sculpture, David, fell during the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. The broken pieces of the sculpture were donated to California State University in Fullerton by Forest Lawn Memorial Park. For good luck on final exams, campus legend suggests rubbing the butt of the "Fallen David" sculpture.

Related: Best Places for Architecture in Orange County

Imploration
(east entrance of the campus' Visual Arts Center, Building D)
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
www.fullerton.edu/

Polish-born artist Stanislav Szukalski created this intricate sculpture in 1914, its value only increasing after the Siege of Warsaw, and Szukalski's immigration, left much of his work destroyed or incomplete. Szukalski devoted the later years of his career to writing and developing art that supported a theory that all individuals came from the same source. Decker Studios in Hollywood donated this sculpture to California State University - Fullerton in 1996.

Nakayoshi - Good Friends
(in front of Newport Beach Central Library)
1000 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, CA‎
(949) 717-3800‎

At first glance, this sculpture communicates love and harmony among two individuals. However, this piece of art has a much deeper meaning and marks an important international relationship between Newport Beach, Calif., and Okazaki City in Japan. In 1984, Newport Beach developed a Sister City Affiliation with Okazaki City, and this sculpture was given to Newport Beach as a gift from Okazaki to celebrate their 10-year Sister City relationship. You can see this sculpture on display in front of the Newport Beach Central Library.

Arise
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
www.fullerton.edu/

It is apparent when looking at this sculpture that some type of struggle or challenge is part of the artistic meaning. Created by artist Eric Goulder, Arise examines how contradictions of contemporary society affect the development of an individual's identity. Earl and Camilla McGrath donated this profound sculpture to California State University - Fullerton in 1996. It is located at the south entrance of the campus' Visual Arts Center, Building D.

Related: Best Places for Glass Art in Orange County

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, dancer, marketer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, volunteering, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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