Through the Eyes of Artists was initiated in 2003 to creatively celebrate the many cities and neighborhoods Metro serves from the unique perspectives of artists. In the tradition of colorful travel destination posters, Metro Art commissions artists to capture the magic of these wonderfully varied places. Their artworks are then translated into elegant poster designs and displayed inside a fleet of more than 2,500 buses.
While there is much to marvel in the 1797 Mission San Fernando, this watercolor invites you to experience a small corner of the garden, with its Roman arch, tiled roof, adobe walls and exposed wooden beams, all elements that remain architectural inspirations in Southern California today.
Sandra Low’s vision of San Gabriel Dream Connect San Gabriel pairs contemporary features with historical roots in a surreal landscape set before the San Gabriel Mountains and inspired by traditional Chinese landscape painting.
Although now a resident of San Pedro, the artist also drew from her experience as an immigrant who discovered the rich cultural tapestry of San Pedro.
In a whimsical bird’s-eye view, the botanic garden is shown surrounded by waves amid the flourishing Palos Verdes Peninsula.
A symbol of femininity and the official flower of this family-friendly community, the ruddy flower petals gradually evolve into abstract building blocks that take the shape of the city’s boundaries.
From iconic destinations to family-owned businesses, many of the prominent architectural landmarks and signage found along Studio City’s two main thoroughfares are represented as an engaging street scene mashup.
This imagined bookshelf holds mementos of the lives, history, architecture and spirit of the city. An unmarked book represents the stories still to come.
Looking downward from the highest point of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, viewers can see glittering lights that shine like jewels.
Tucked among some of Torrance’s busiest streets, the Madrona Marsh Preserve and nearby nature center provide respite for waterfowl and city dwellers alike.
Llanos depicts a series of Valley characters amidst the commercial hub-bub of Victory Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard.
Frieden’s playful panorama captures the gamut of fun activities that characterize the canals, beach and boardwalks of this creative community.
What interests Fernandez most about the Watts Towers is the magical quality of the organic, sculptural walls that surround the historic landmark.
This colorful collage embraces a city rich with complexity by tracing the memories of the city from the Tongva, to its current diversity of residents and iconic status.
Symbols and sculptures from MacArthur Park highlight a common human goal to work with dignity and provide a healthy future for loved ones.
The artist pays homage to the city’s namesake as well as the indigenous population who called the land Sejat, meaning “a place of the wild bees.”
The city’s wealth of art and culture—from allusions to classic cars and street art to folklorico performances and musical subgenres as diverse as ska, punk, jazz and mariachi—is highlighted throughout the painting.
Fellow space travelers, outrageously dressed in pattern and color, wait for liftoff in Willowbrook as multiple suns shine bright.
A colorful collage of urban planning featuring: a multi-lane commercial corridor, Del Amo Avenue; mid-century housing and manicured home niwas (gardens); historic Gardena Blvd and school mascot “easter eggs” from Harbor Gateway schools; and remembrance to those resting at a Memorial Park.
Project Description In his richly detailed, storybook-style illustration, artist J Michael Walker brings Sun Valley’s native beauty to life — from golden California poppies to wise barn owls and watchful coyotes under a glowing moon. At the heart of the piece is the prickly pear cactus, a symbol that gestures to the region’s rich heritage. The Tongva called this region Wixánga, which means “canyon of the thorns” in the language’s Fernandeño dialect. The Spanish, following the Tongva’s lead, called the region La Cañada de las Tunas. This artwork doesn’t just depict a place — it tells its story about its origins. Whether you come to spend the whole day or are just passing through, Sun Valley invites you to slow down, look closely, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of Los Angeles. This artwork was commissioned for Metro’s Through the Eyes of Artists poster series for display in the fleet. Artist Statement “I hope families, especially children, will enjoy exploring all the teeming details, pointing out and naming animals and plants, maybe even inventing stories together… This artwork is …
Project Description Artesia’s festive atmosphere inspired Edwin Ushiro’s design. Step off Metro and you’re immediately immersed in a tapestry of brilliant storefronts, fragrant spices, jewelry shops glittering with gold and family-run restaurants serving dishes from across South Asia. While the poster captures Artesia today, it also honors the city’s history. Prominently featured in Ushiro’s artwork is the Artesia Water Tower, a landmark that remains the community’s most visible tie to its past. Once part of a system of artesian wells that gave the city its name, the water tower today now anchors the memory of Artesia’s roots amid a modern, multicultural community. This artwork was commissioned for Metro’s Through the Eyes of Artists poster series for display in the fleet. Artist Statement “When I entered this location, I was immediately transported to another country. The brilliant decorations that welcome visitors at each business inspired my artwork, inviting Metro riders to explore the district’s food, shopping, and community events.” About the Artist Edwin Ushiro’s work resonates with the echoes of his boyhood in the “slow town” of Wailuku …
On select Metro buses in L.A. County
Metro Art’s Through the Eyes of Artists was initiated in 2003 to creatively celebrate the many cities and neighborhoods Metro serves from the unique perspectives of artists.
