The Metro Art Docent Council consists of 30 volunteers who are passionate about the art at Metro Rail stations and in Union Station. In normal times the docents gave free tours and took people to stations to learn how to take transit, see and learn more about the art and architecture and experience surrounding communities.
These dedicated docents each have their favorite artworks — and with this new series you will be able to see why. Until we can resume in-person tours, we thought this would be a nice way to virtually learn about the art in our system.
Union Station East
La Sombra del Arroyo
East Los Streetscapers, artists
From docent Eirin Ferreiro:
“To talk about a favorite artwork on the Metro System is difficult because there are so many beautiful artworks all around the different lines, like the giant hand with a “paper” airplane at El Segundo Station of the C Line (Green), the Tongva woman at Lincoln/Cypress of the L Line(Gold) or Lotería at Expo/La Brea Station of the E Line (Expo). These are just a small sample of the wonderful public art that can be found at Metro Rail stations.
But, to me, I would say that “La Sombra del Arroyo” under the Patsaouras Plaza at Union Station is my favorite. It is so easy to transport yourself to the time when the Yanga village was there and the Tongva people were resting under the shade of the Sycamore tree (Aliso) listening to the Porciuncula (Los Angeles) river passing by. The artists, East Los Streetscapers, created a magical illusion for the enjoyment of the users of the station. It is really exciting, when giving the art tours in Metro, to present to people these relationships between history, art, Metro, and the location. Standing there, at “La Sombra del Arroyo” even the sound of the fountain nearby amplifies the imagery.”
Do you have a favorite artwork in the Metro system? Tell us!
Eirin Ferreiro, Metro Art Docent since 2017 gives tours in English and Spanish.
Learn more about the artist and artwork. To find out more about Metro’s art tours and sign up for our email list, click here.
Categories: Metro Art