Art on the Outside” is a program sponsored by the City of West Hollywood’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission.

For drivers, pedestrians, and residents, along Santa Monica Blvd–between Doheny Dr. and N. Almont Dr– Peter Shire’s art exhibits are to be both seen and experienced.

Indeed, the first time I passed by them I had to stop. To be sure, WeHo’s denizens and others who regularly travel on Santa Monica Blvd are used to them; but especially for those who are not, I felt compelled to share a bit of what we in LA can enjoy anytime we want.

Although initially the exhibit was to run until November 2008–however it will probably be extended until January of 2010. To give you an idea of the sculptures scope and sizes–they range from 12 feet to 20 feet in height.

Of course, each one has already been mapped in Travelin’ Local’s Mapping Los Angeles Public Art Map:

View Mapping LA Public Art (MLAPA) in a larger map

The artist, Peter Shire, is well known for his ceramic teapots and fanciful, geometric sculptures. His work is featured at museums worldwide, including LACMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His public sculptures can also be seen locally at Elysian Park, the Academy Village Housing Project in North Hollywood, the Ramada Plaza in West Hollywood, and the Wilshire/Vermont Metro Station.

So the next time you’re Travelin’ Local on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, be sure to check out and appreciate these creative and colorful sculptures because they won’t be around forever.