Share:

With works of art scattered throughout soft green lawns and a small pool that cascades into a swiftly flowing channel of water, the Boone Sculpture Garden provides an escape for students who need a quiet place to study or take a break between classes.

“The Boone Sculpture Garden offers a pleasant outdoor environment for everyone on campus,” said Brian Tucker, director of the art galleries at PCC. “For the larger community, it signals the college’s commitment to the visual arts and its contribution to the cultural center that is Pasadena.”

Designed by Jodi Pinto, a renowned New York-based artist and landscape designer, the area that was once a mundane parking lot was transformed into a space to display contemporary sculptures as well as provide a forum for performances and art installations.

Named in memory of George and Fern Boone, the Boone Sculpture Garden was completed in 1999 and comprises three major components—the garden itself, the Galloway Plaza and the Jameson Amphitheater.

The garden currently features works by Deborah Butterfield, Stephan Balkenhol and Jack Zajac, according to Tucker. Another sculpture by Ken Price will soon be added to the collection once curators can figure out how to display it without damaging it.

The plaza and amphitheater have ample seating for those who want to get outside after being cooped up in class all day, and several trees provide shade for people to sit or lay in the grass.

“I like to feel the air out here,” said Elaine Kwak, sociology, who is drawn outside by the small waterfall that begins at the plaza and flows through the garden past the amphitheater.

“The sound of the water makes it more peaceful and creates such a tranquil environment,” Kwak said.

Musicians especially embrace the amphitheater and it is not uncommon to walk by and hear someone singing or practicing an instrument.

“I like the open space and the fresh air. When it’s sunny, I’d rather be outside than inside,” said Andrew Velazquez, a liberal studies major who retreats to the sculpture garden to play his guitar.

At night, the Boone Sculpture Garden becomes a whole different animal. With lighting that outlines the path system and trellises and seating strategically placed in the plaza and amphitheater, which are both circular in shape, Pinto’s landscape design reveals a galaxy surrounded by buildings dedicated to the arts and higher learning.

“I got out of class late one night and when I stepped out of the C Building to walk to my car I thought this place was magical,” said Julianne Ramos, psychology. “The way the lights hit the sculptures and the shadows they cast were so beautiful to me it was almost surreal. It’s my favorite place on campus.”

Editor’s note: The Courier would like to acknowledge that the photograph regarding the “Red Pine” sculpture by Deborah Butterfield was not staged and was a candid shot. The art displayed in the Boone Sculpture Garden is not meant to be climbed upon and should be treated the same as art displayed in a gallery.

Follow: