A story of resilience
Vermonica has been an iconic Los Angeles artwork since it was first installed in 1993. Through community activism and contribution, it is still standing today. Sheila Klein’s storied light post sculpture stood for nearly a quarter century in a strip mall in East Hollywood, a monument of healing to mark a site that had gone up in flames during the Los Angeles uprisings in 1992. Its future is also no longer in question, since the city has acquired the work for its public art collection in 2020.
A coordinated effort
Vermonica was only possible through collaboration and the continued support of community members, the L.A. Bureau of Street Lighting, and Esotouric. Many contributors added to making Vermonica what it is today.
Documentation
Vermonica has been continuously documented since 1993.
People are talking
Vermonica has captured the attention of the press, the public, and critics since it was first built in 1993. Multiple facets and issues are embodied in the piece, including: artist-initiated projects, city policy, urban studies, feminism, the artist rights act, community activism, historic preservation, intellectual property and art advocacy. The piece aims to domesticate the street, making the city a place you want to be.