Beaumont Public Art-Kiarah Royster

                                                BEAUMONT CALIFORNIA PUBLIC ART 

THE SITE:

            Aside from a majority of my classmates, I am located in the IE as opposed to LA county. The inland empire is home to a number of public art displays; however, I happen to be part of a community that is on its back end. Here nothing ever happens so when it does happen, it's a big deal. I moved there about eight years ago when I was still figuring out my own personal identity and searching for representation. Just about all of the art presented here is contained in the Beaumont Library most of which being federal art projects. I have conversed with my fellow citizens about the contents of the art in not only the library but the potential of all the free space in the town. The opinions I received were not only considerate but exemplified passion for art as a whole. Without the needed creativity of the people, the town will become another boring stop on the I-10 eastbound freeway. 

IN THE FIELD:


            This Greek relief of horsemen done in marble sculpture can be found in the Beaumont Library Bas Relief. The building is located on 125 E 8th St in Beaumont, California. This piece has not been labelled as a federal art project (FAP) piece and the artist is unknown. The photo of the art was taken by Gene Sasse. After viewing the library's website and conversing with the staff, the piece was likely part of the building when it was built in the early 20th century. I was fortunate enough to view it with fellow citizens and people who were passing by. I asked what they think of the art and how does it make you feel? After about thirty seconds of dead silence, one patron who felt very fondly of the art stated,"It's perfect. Perfect just the way it is. I'd like it to stay here forever, just like this. And if not, I'd put it up in my living room." A few kids passing by were asking what it was, why it was there, and what it meant.

            Here is a large scale watercolor by John Warren that is also in the town's public library. The photo of the art was taken by Gene Sasse as well. During my tour I was told that the mountains portrayed are supposed to represent the  mountains just north of the town of Beaumont. I found these to be accurate considering the fact that I live right in front of those mountains and view them from my backyard. I asked my fellow neighbors for their opinions on the mountains behind us, then showed them a picture that I took from the library. They said that, "It does the stature and the beauty of the mountains no justice. No justice until you see them in person for yourself." I couldn't agree more. This piece was also labeled as a FAP on its frame. 

            Just beyond the book cases, there is a statue of an individual holding a dove at Beaumont Library. This statue was done in polished ceramic and stands just a couple feet tall.  The artist was also unknown. I asked multiple staff members and they couldn't tell me too much about it other than the decoration and art director of the library was trying to center the theme around Greek and Athenian art. The statue is labeled on the bottom as “FAP, NRA.” NRA was believed to be the initials of the artist.

ANALYSIS:

            The work displayed here reflects Greek hellenistic and contemporary art. I think that this art is a reflection of the people who live here in Beaumont and make up a majority of the council and community.  Mostly European and vintage town history is centered here compared to the stories of the backgrounds of others that I've heard. As mentioned before a lot of the work displayed comes from federal art projects and is decided by select officials.  In a town like this where the population is joined by minority races, art like this is interesting and important to history but the repetition in its pattern calls for something outside of the usual.

PROPOSAL: 

            I chose this site because I wanted to get to know this town a little better. After living here for the rest of my adolescence, I've definitely seen most of the diversity of the town through the schools, small businesses, and town events. Aside from this I wanted to see how these things could be portrayed in a way that emulated the history of those who settled her. I wanted to see more of the different ethnicities that I was so pleased to meet in the seventh grade through the twelfth and all of the people who make up Beaumont's population. I've seen how they are trying to upgrade and make this place feel like home. I really appreciate this but I also wish to see art that reflects that ideal and not so much the past of a different country or continent. There is absolutely no street art at all in this place. Not even a mural. The only art other than what was presented in this city is the graffiti on the passing freight trains. I think this is because of how the people who are here view those things and how they associate them with crime and delinquency. There are plots of land with empty buildings that real estate agents have tried their hardest to sell, empty parks with minimalistic concepts, and so many other open spaces for there to be these public art installations. I'd love to see something like the olympic moral done in tile on the side of the university gym. Something like that, but with the different faces and groups that make the community all on a map of the town. Art that includes the community will unite the community. Hellenistic and contemporary art are a reflection of the people who live here and the occupants of the town's council and community. Aside from the aesthetics that they tried to capture and demonstrate, I think the town needs artists who have experienced these experiences and events that reflect the diversity of the people. I've encountered many talented people there and would agree to a sculpture or mural done by a few experienced individuals for the town to see. Taking action on an issue like this wouldn't be a bad idea and would have a positive effect as well as a positive influence on the neighborhood. In order to execute something like this, a fundraiser for a budget should be gathered and properly spent. Other than the things I've witnessed, I think that Beaumont has a lot of potential to be creatively successful.


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