California Bear Project
The California Bear Project is an original art in public places program, initiated by the City of Santa Clarita. The bear chosen for the blank model was the Monarch grizzly, the largest bear ever to be killed in California. It is the bear which appears on the California State flag. Weighing 2,350 pounds and said to have killed and eaten seven grown men, the Monarch grizzly was shot right here in Santa Clarita in 1877. Each life size replica is over 10 feet in length and over 5 feet tall.
The first of the California Bears, Valencia Heritage Park Bear, was installed in April at the City’s grand opening of the 17-acre Valencia Heritage Park. It features a photographic collage of City history and events, and was designed by local artist Scott Groller. Here it is pictured at the
City of Santa Clarita's Street Art Festival in 2006.
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Additional bears may be viewed at:
- Town Center Mall in front of Macy's (Oak of the Golden Dream Bear ) on the Valencia Blvd. side of the building. (Please note, it is not the wooden bear.)
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- City of Santa Clarita Transit Facility (The Transit Bear)
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Themed Murals
Depicting the beauty and historic points of interest of Newhall, the murals serve to visually simulate the environment of the Newhall Arts and Theatre District.
California Vaquero
Nicole Ponsler's depiction of a California cowboy may be found at El Trocadero. Follow the link for stories of vaqueros in Santa Clarita.
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Walk of Western Stars
Peter Bartczak's painting depicts Santa Clarita's rich western movie history, focusing on Old Town Newhall's Walk of Western Stars.
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Santa Clarita’s Southern Hotel
One of the finest and best-appointed establishments outside of San Francisco, Frank Rock recreates it--if only in a painting displayed on the wall of the Work Boot Warehouse.
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Art on Trash Cans
Theses unique works of art, which were painted with an anti-graffiti coating before placement, are based on the “History of Santa Clarita” and the “Street as an Art Gallery.” The art painted on the 55 gallon trash cans has been used on trash receptacles throughout Old Town Newhall along San Fernando Road between Lyons Avenue and 5th Street.
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Art Displays
College of the Canyons Art Gallery
661-362-3612
Rotating exhibitions features the works of historical as well as 21st century artists. Special events posted to Santa Clarita Guide's Calendar of Events. Free.
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Campus Map
CalArts
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Santa Clarita City Hall - First Floor Gallery
Ongoing exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, traveling exhibitions, and commissioned projects. Free.
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Town Center Art Space
(Inside Westfield Valencia Town Center)
Ongoing exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, traveling exhibitions, and commissioned projects. Free.
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Canyon Theatre Guild Hallway Gallery
Artwork changes with the productions. Featuring local artists. Free.
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