Project Description

Inspired by the famous Mexican song of yesteryear El Niño Perdido (the Lost Child), the artist sculpted a bronze statue of a mother and child which hangs over the entrance to the station.

The station’s plaza incorporates historic Mariachi Plaza, a location that has been an informal gathering place for mariachi groups and music trios for decades. A stone mural at the performing stage and floor medallions near the elevators feature animals common to the Southwest region.

The entry stair landing is a colorful space of tile and a spiraling snake floor pattern. The mezzanine includes granite wall and floor sculptures that allude to the universe and family. These designs echo the the lyrics for El Niño Perdido and call for the lost child, his answer and the happy reunion.

Artist Statement

“In our talks with the community we realized that children were very important to the neighborhood. We wanted the station and the artwork to reach out to young people and to foster the importance of nurturing and family.”

About the Artist

ALEJANDRO DE LA LOZA grew up in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles. He studied at California State University Long Beach, where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture and received a Master of Arts in American Indian Studies from the University of California Los Angeles. A talented sculptor, some of his recent commissions include the Echo Park Library and the Police Officers’ Memorial (in collaboration with East Los Streetscapers) in Los Angeles. He is an elementary school teacher and exhibits his work in the Los Angeles region.