Project Description

Inspired by the displays of artifacts at the Monrovia Historical Museum, a pictorial jewel box depicts flora and fauna happy at home in this foothill community — an assortment of the natural and cultural assets found in the San Gabriel Valley city.

A craftsman home is cradled in a hand opposite a wildflower blossom. Residents visit the local library, gather under a fig tree, hike in the local foothills or listen to music on Myrtle Avenue.

This artwork was commissioned for Metro’s Through the Eyes of Artists poster series for display in the fleet.

Artist Statement

“(These vignettes share) Monrovia’s mellow yet vibrant quality that I experience almost daily from working in my studio there. There’s the bath of golden light under the big Southern California sky with clouds puffing or streaming out from the west, and the quietly dramatic presence of the foothills.”

About the Artist

ROB SATO (b. 1977, Los Angeles) is an artist, illustrator and writer living and working in Los Angeles. He weaves autobiographical, historical, and fantastical imagery to create works that mix humor and beauty. He has exhibited artwork throughout the world, including several occasions at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. He has been featured in publications such as Juxtapoz magazine, The New York Times, Giant Robot magazine, and New American Painting.

About Through the Eyes of Artists

In the tradition of celebrating transportation through colorful travel destination posters, Metro Art commissions a diverse range of Los Angeles artists to create original artworks for the Through the Eyes of Artists poster series. Established in 2003, the posters are displayed onboard Metro trains and buses.

View other works in the series.