The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture is inviting residents across the San Gabriel Valley to support a new Whittier Narrows photo project by sharing personal and family photographs of Benjamin Dominguez’s sculptures at Legg Lake. The effort will create a digital archive of the artist’s playful concrete creatures that have shaped memories for generations of park visitors.
Dominguez’s sculptural works have stood at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area for nearly 65 years. Families have climbed them, photographed them, and woven them into local stories. The new archive aims to document that history and preserve images that show how the artworks lived within the daily activities of the region. Staff members plan to collect photographs across all decades, from the early 1960s through the present.
Community Invitation and Event Details
The public is invited to a scanning day on Saturday, December 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Montebello Library. Participants may bring photographs that show the sculptures, park settings, or moments that reflect connection to the artworks. Staff will digitize the images and return the originals at the event. Each participant will receive digital copies by email. The site for more information is https://lacountyarts.org.
Organizers say they hope to gather a wide range of images. They are interested in everyday park visits, special gatherings, and scenes that capture how children and families interacted with the sculptures. They also welcome photographs of Dominguez and any views showing the artworks during construction or conservation. The project creates a shared record that honors the space and the people who used it.
Regional Significance of the Sculptures
Dominguez’s works stand at an active regional park that attracts visitors from South El Monte, El Monte, Rosemead, Montebello, and nearby cities. The sculptures became landmarks across the wider community and remain part of a familiar landscape at Legg Lake. They reflect a playful public art approach that shaped childhood memories for many families. The Whittier Narrows photo project places those memories into a formal archive that preserves a unique part of local culture.
A Goal to Celebrate Shared History
Arts and Culture staff members say the archive will help celebrate nearly six decades of public art in a park setting that continues to serve thousands of visitors each year. They view the project as an opportunity for residents to take part in documenting a shared regional story. The department hopes the finished collection will support future exhibitions, research, and community programs.
Residents who wish to contribute can attend the scanning day at the Montebello Library or contact the department through its website. By sharing long held photographs, participants help preserve a collective visual history of artworks that stand at the heart of the region.
