‘Beluga’s Journey’ may not be last voyage for Glendale art program
A reproduction of a graceful beluga whale is now on display inside the historic gas station at Adams Square Mini Park, the final piece of an art series that is coming to a close.
The inflated whale floats in the air as if it were traversing the ocean deep and is illuminated by a blue light at night.
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The installation is the fourth and final of a debut art program that was spurred by a partnership between the city and a local neighborhood group.
“I think people were really excited to see something happening at the gas station after all these years,” said Cathy Hrenda, events chair of the Adams Hill Neighborhood Assn.
Titled “Beluga’s Journey,” the piece was created by Los Angeles-based artist YaYa Chou — originally from Taiwan — and it has been on the move to different locations since 2008.
The display serves as a reminder of the perils large aquatic animals face in captivity, Chou said in a statement.
An opening reception for “Beluga’s Journey” will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the park, located at 1020 Palmer Ave. It will be on display through March 9.
The gas station art series featured a handful of other three-dimensional works including a group project composed of model homes made by local residents to reimagine the Adams Hill neighborhood.
The park opened in 2007 and features the 1930s-era gas station that was basically idle until the installations came about.
“What’s nice about having temporary art is that, if you don’t like it one month, next month, there could be something you love,” Hrenda said.
After “Beluga’s Journey” closes, there will be a discussion about continuing the program, she said.
The Glendale Arts and Culture Commission — which gave the green light for the program the first time around — is interested in another round of soliciting artists, said Teri Deaver, a commission member.
She said she expects there will be a vote sometime in the first quarter of this year.
“It’s definitely part of our work plan to keep it going,” Deaver said.
There will also be a discussion about how much funding should go into it.
The first iteration of the series paid to insure the artists’ works while they were on display. There could be a discussion about whether to start offering a stipend to possibly widen the pool of artists, Deaver said.
Reflecting on how the gas station has evolved, Deaver said it serves as not only a stage for emerging artists to showcase their installations, but also acts as a community gathering spot.
“It brings in a sense of vitality when people can have a reason to come out and come together and experience something together,” Deaver said.
In December, the Adams Mini Park Gas Station was added to the city’s Register of Historic Resources.
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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com
Twitter: @ArinMikailian
