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Bob Bartlett Memorial Unveiled
Monrovia Weekly Mar 01, 2018
Bob Barlett. - Courtesy photo
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Bob Barlett. – Courtesy photo
The following are the remarks made by Carole Choucair Oueijan, the artist who created the memorial for former Mayor Bob Bartlett at its unveiling on Sunday:
“I am very honored to have been the chosen artist to create the memorial art piece for Mayor Bob Bartlett in the City of Monrovia.
This sculptural mosaic rises from the earth across the plaza at the Monrovia Gold Line station, welcoming and bidding farewell to the travelers who benefit from the fruits of his long-lasting labors each and every day…echoing the intersection between Monrovia’s old and new.
The CorTen steel panels pay homage to Bob’s ambition for the city’s growth while humbly maintaining its rich cultural history.
The angled panels are oriented for viewing from every angle along the station, reflecting Bob’s earnest interest for everyone, everywhere in his community.
Secured to the panels are five separate mosaics, each commemorating significant chapters in the Bob Bartlett story:
The Mayor sits in the center, in the heart of the city Old Town Monrovia:
The entrance, the preservation, and revitalization of Old Monrovia.
Equity: The equality and inclusiveness he represented
The Bus: The Major role in the development of the Foothill Transit
All-America City: Monrovia’s selection as an All-America City under his leadership.
All mosaics were made with smalti Italian and Mexican glass, combined with other tiles. They were made with the Byzantine indirect technique which will make them forever pieces.
These colorful mosaics will never fade, while the Corten steel which supports them only ages more beautifully with time.
I would like to thank the Art Commission for putting their trust in me to work on project.
Diane Delmatoff for her support and amazing coordination she did to make everything as smooth and perfect as it was.
I’d also like to thank Todd Holmes, Evan, Bowden development, and the people of the city who helped to make this project possible.
Lastly, I like to thank my family for their continuous support, especially Nicolas my son, who helped translate my idea into digital materials to present it to the Art Commission.
And of course my lovely husband, Milad that did all the technical drawings needed and was with me in every step of the process.
It is my sincere hope that this memorial pays the respect that Bob Bartlett deserves. He saw many great and beautiful things in this place – it is only fitting that he be remembered with one”.
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