An Artful Image

Santa Fe Springs officials last week dedicated the latest product of a city ordinance aimed at creating art in public places. The artwork, “Sundance Springs” by Roger Barr, anchors the median island at the entrance to the new Pacific Springs commercial development near the corner of Slauson and Sorenson avenues.

Barr, right, was present at the unveiling to explain the shiny piece that weighs more than two tons. Barr, 70, has produced abstract, polished-steel sculptures for public and corporate patrons from Southern California to Alaska. The work of Barr, a longtime instructor at Santa Rosa College, has appeared at exhibitions and in museums since 1950.

“Sundance Springs” is the fourth piece of art installed since the ordinance that requires developers to set aside money to pay for public artwork. The ordinance is part of the city’s vigorous, ongoing efforts to shed a reputation as an unattractive, industrial city.