Three Graces

"Three Graces," by artist Peter Fink, perches atop the Trio Apartments at the corner of Colorado and El Molino Blvds. downtown. Fink created the piece specifically for this building, although he apparently designed another "Three Graces" for Birmingham, England. It's only fair, as the artist is British.

The Brits are accustomed to public art—at least Londoners are. Take a stroll around London and you're practically tripping over art, bumping into it at every turn: gorgeous architecture, well-tended parks, grand statues, innovative sculptures. Sure, American cities have great architecture and parks. But other public art is only beginning to become more common.

In Pasadena, art decorates the streets, yards and parks from CalTech to the Art Center College of Design. Pasadena Cultural Affairs has put together eight public art walking tours you can take in the downtown area. ("Three Graces" is on tour #5.) There's more art beyond downtown; here's a map of other sites.