public art | Spotlight

Take a summer walk to explore public art on campus

Cal State L.A. restores landmark tile mural by the late Guillermo Granizo

Looking for a free summer excursion? Visitors and students alike can explore the collection of public art gracing the campus grounds and buildings. A reflection of the creative and innovative programs offered at Cal State L.A., the array of artwork is mostly accessible to the public throughout the year.

Pictured: Olympic Fantasy mural.

Considered an icon for the University and a landmark on the east side of Los Angeles, the “Olympic Fantasy” mural by the late Guillermo “Bill” Granizo is the most visible artwork on campus. Glimmering in the summer sun, the mural was one of only two works of art commissioned by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee in 1984. The mural, mounted on the west side of the Physical Education building, was installed in time for CSULA to host the 1984 Olympic Judo competition.

Recently restored to its original vibrancy to preserve and protect Granizo’s vision, the “Olympic Fantasy” is composed of 2,232 individually glazed and fired ceramic tiles. The entire work measures 93 feet by 24 feet and is reportedly “the largest tile mural ever created by a single artist working alone.”

For other public art on campus, refer to the interactive map below (click icon for image of each artwork). The campus community is encouraged to take a summer leisurely stroll around campus to admire each artistic expression in person.

Additionally, the University’s Fine Arts Gallery in the Fine Arts building showcases works by CSULA students and faculty from the Department of Art during the fall, winter and spring quarters. Each season, the Luckman Gallery on campus also exhibits works by international and local artists. Two masterpieces are currently on permanent display at the Luckman Theatre—“Por un lenguaje Universal” by Reyna Castaño and “Untitled” by Albert Contreras.

The CSULA Art department boasts that “the works of CSULA alumni and faculty have helped define the L.A. aesthetic for over four decades.” Cal State L.A. Art alums include Gronk (Glugio Nicondra), Frank Romero, Carlos Almaraz, Kent Twitchell, La Monte Westmoreland, Mitzi Valenzuela, George Yepes and more.

“Palabras Nuevas”
Zaida Del Río
April 5, 2002
(U-SU Chicana/o Student Resource Center office)

“Campus”
Guillermo “Bill” Granizo
1979
(The Pit, University-Student Union basement)

“The Death of Ruben Salazar”
Frank Romero
1988
(University-Student Union basement hallway)

“Sages of Wisdom and Power”
Academia de Arte Yepes (George Yepes)
1993
(Student Housing Phase II Lounge)

“Homage to the Mexican Masters”
John “Zender” Estrada along with Nuke, Chose, Siner, Zuco, Shandu and Duce
spring 2010
(King Hall first-floor main stairwell)

Ruben Salazar Oil-on-Canvas Portrait
J.F. Martin
Chicano/Latino University Association
March 18, 2000
(Salazar Hall first-floor lobby)

“Time Line for Forgotten Ancestors”
Michael Davis
1982
(Lawn west of the JFK Memorial Library’s Palmer Wing)

Confucius Statue
Republic of China on Taiwan
1987
(Grassy area, south of the State Playhouse)

Golden Eagle Sculpture
Kenneth Bjorge
February 2006
(University Bookstore front entrance)

“Olympic Fantasy”
Guillermo “Bill” Granizo
July 1984
(West side of the Physical Education building)

“The Muralists”
Terry Schoonhoven
MTA’s Art for Rail Transit Program
1995
(CSULA Metro Station main platform)

Learn more at the following links: