The Department of Arts and Culture invites community members to share their personal and family photographs and images interacting with Dominguez’s sculptures at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area over the years. The goal of this project is to celebrate the artworks’ almost 65 years in the community of South El Monte and to honor the artwork and communities’ collective history. A digital archive will be created using the images collected that capture the community playing on, climbing, sliding down, enjoying, and interacting with the artwork spanning from its creation in 1961 through present day.
A program of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. Whittier Narrows Recreational Area is a park owned or operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation.
Nestled in South El Monte and surrounding Legg Lake in Whittier Narrows Recreation Area are six fantastical aquatic-themed sculptures by Mexican artist Benjamin Dominguez (1894-1974). The artworks are titled Starfish, Octopus, Fish, Tripod, Mother Dragon and Two-Headed Dragon, all completed in 1961 and composed of concrete, paint, and steel. These sculptures represent a movement in the early 1960s of modern parks being seen as museums where the public could enjoy arts and crafts of the community. Designed with children in mind, Dominguez’s sculptures encourage imaginative play and hands-on interaction. For over 60 years, these sculptures have served as joyful icons of cultural expression, community identity, and creative play in Los Angeles County for all to enjoy.
The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture’s Civic Art Division will be conserving these historic play sculptures, located in the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area at 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733. As part of this effort, we aim to gather archival and historic photos and images sourced from the community to celebrate and archive the history of one of the most treasured and interactive series of public artworks in LA County.
Learn More and Apply
December 6, 2025 | 2PM - 5PM (PST)
1550 West Beverly Boulevard
Montebello, CA 90640
For questions or technical assistance please contact Danielle Galván Gomez, Civic Art Registrar, at dgalvangomez@arts.lacounty.gov.