Our Art in Public Places program applies to residential development projects involving five or more dwelling units and costing more than $1 million, or commercial, office or other developments costing more than $1 million. For those projects, a fee is paid to the City or applied to art work in an amount equal to 1% of the project cost. Each application for the installation of an artwork is reviewed initially by the Art in Public Places Committee who makes a recommendation to the City Council. The Committee acts as an advisory body to the City Council. 

The City of Monrovia aims to support and promote public art in the Community through the new Art in Public Places Online Map.

Monrovia’s public art is a vital element of the City’s character and plays a central role in making it a vibrant and culturally rich community. The art map was designed with the goal of utilizing art as a vehicle to encourage walkability. Users can navigate the map to see art images, name of the artwork, its location, the artist and type of art. Art includes annual Signature Programs such as Art on the Box, Samson Bears, Footnotes and Neighborhood Treasures, as well as project art including the Bob Bartlett Memorial, Mark Twain bronze statue, the Angel Wings and Myrtle Avenue’s Entryway Sign. 

To access the map, click on the "view larger map" icon on the top right side of the map. 

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Bob Bartlett Memorial

The Bob Bartlett Memorial stands to not only represent his life, but the lasting impact that his life has had on the city he cared so deeply for, revealing to future generations how much of a difference one life can make.

The panels of the sculpture are made out of Cor-Ten Steel. Secured to the panels are five separate mosaics, each commemorating significant chapters in the Bob Bartlett story:

1. The Mayor:  His service as Monrovia's mayor.
2. All-America City: Monrovia's selection as an All-America City under his leadership.
3. Old Town Monrovia:  The preservation and revitalization of Old Town Monrovia.
4. Equity:  The equality and inclusiveness he represented.
5. Bus:  The major role in the development of the Foothill Transit.

The mosaics themselves will be cast using the reverse Byzantine technique which has truly stood the test of time in ancient cities where mosaics have remained intact. The glass stones which lie nestled against each other in the grout never lose their color or sheen, while the Cor-Ten steel which supports them only ages more beautifully with time.

Bob was a man with an eternal love for his hometown, and the unshakable gall and steel memorial will forever speak of that timelessness. It is my sincere hope that this memorial pays the respect that Bob Bartlett deserves, and shows to all of Monrovia and those visiting that this is a city which honors its own. Bob saw many great and beautiful things in this place - it is only fitting that he be remembered with one.

- Carole Choucair Oveijan, Bob Bartlett Memorial Artist

Bob Bartlett Memorial Recognized as One of the Top 19 Best Architectural and Site-Specific Mosaics in the World by the Mosaic Arts International

The 18th annual Mosaic Arts International Exhibition Series selected the Bob Bartlett Memorial as one of only 19 architectural and site-specific mosaics from around the world to be recognized.  This means that renderings of the mosaic art-work located in Station Square will be on display in Nashville, TN, from January 26 – May 19 as part of a special exhibits containing mosaic works from across the globe.

 The segment that the Bob Bartlett Memorial was recognized in was juried by Kim Emerson, Award Winning Public Artist and Founder of the San Diego Mosaic School, San Diego, California, USA.  Furthermore, the 19 installations selected will be represented at the Nashville Public Library Art Gallery through print and digital images, video, and a collection of ephemera provided by the artists.  Materials on display will including drawings, sketchbooks, materials samples and tools that will provide visitors a unique perspective into the process of creating a large-scale mosaic work.  The exhibition features the works of 19 artists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.  For more information, visit the 2019 Mosaic Arts International Exhibition Series online. 

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Call for Artist!

The City of Monrovia is accepting designs for the third annual Art in Public Places Tree Ornament Contest. The theme of this year's contest is All America Holiday.