Residents of ViewPark with the support of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission will be welcoming a Civic Arts project to Monteith Park in the Fall of 2013. Local designers Greenmeme will develop the concept.

Below is a brief exerpt describing their vision:

“Our meeting with Monteith Park community members took place on a pinkish concrete picnic table, wide, cold and spotted with paint patches covering up some unwanted message. When a neighbor walked up, one gentleman stood up and offered his spot at the table which was already full. The woman had lived in the community for a very long time and happily joined in the conversations. She talked about starting a movement of block parties that lasted for decades, but in the past few years have diminished. She also spoke of planting fruit trees, now fully grown and yielding fruit. She inspired others to share similar tales.

We feel we were given a brief glimpse into a rich, deeply rooted community that prides itself on its history, architecture, gardens and much more. We learned about block party dishes, famous neighbors, annual garden tours, films in the park, and shared visions for its future. As far as expectations for the artwork, the community members expressed interest in an active artwork, a piece that could entertain all age groups and could be experienced differently with repeat visits.

We have gravitated to the idea of the block party, as a forum for sharing, getting to know neighbors a little better, and breaking social boundaries. We want to create an artwork that can combine some of the community memes and use them resonant the strength of the community.”