Metro riders, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts — your next ride just got more colorful! On April 28, Metro Art is unveiling the latest installment in the Through the Eyes of Artists poster series: Sun Valley as imagined by acclaimed L.A. artist J Michael Walker. The new artwork will be displayed on Metro buses and trains traveling throughout the region, inviting you to embark on a dazzling adventure!
Explore Sun Valley
Tucked in the northeast San Fernando Valley, Sun Valley is one of L.A.’s gleaming gems. Known for its rugged terrain, wildlife, and working-class roots, it’s a neighborhood where nature and culture overlap. Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious explorer, you can enjoy the playgrounds, picnic areas and shaded nooks of Sun Valley Park, a family-friendly green oasis. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, visit the neighboring Verdugo Mountains, a beloved hiking and mountain biking destination.
A storybook window into nature
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.
“I hope families, especially children, will enjoy exploring all the teeming details, pointing out and naming animals and plants, maybe even inventing stories together,” says J Michael Walker. “This artwork is a celebration of how nature, people, and place are all connected.”
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.
Here’s how to get there
- Metro Bus Lines 90/92: To access to hiking trails a short distance from Glenoaks Blvd.
- Metro B Line (Red): Take the train to North Hollywood Station, then transfer to Bus 90.
- Bike riders welcome! Many of Sun Valley’s trails and roads are cyclist-friendly —board your bike and trek!
About the Through the Eyes of Artists series
Metro Art’s Through the Eyes of Artists series is inspired by vintage travel posters and highlights the distinct character of Los Angeles neighborhoods through the perspectives of local artists. Each poster serves as both an invitation to explore and a tribute to the communities that make L.A. extraordinary.
About Metro Art
Metro Art enhances the customer experience with visual and performing arts that encourages ridership and connects people and neighborhoods throughout L.A. County. Follow Metro Art on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Sign up for the Metro Art email list to learn about upcoming art opportunities, events and exhibitions!
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