Take Advantage of Public Art in Town

One of my kids’ favorite parts of going downtown, whether it’s for a trip to the or a visit to the , is to stop in front of one of Culver City’s seven Zoetropes to watch them spin.  At a time when even the youngest children seem glued to some kind of screen most of the time, it’s wonderful to see these simple machines elicit wonder and delight from these very modern kids.

Installed in 2001, the seven Zoetropes comprise a single installation called “Moving Pictures.” Designed by artists Wick Alexander and Robin Brailsford, the installation commemorates Culver City’s unique place in the with a sense of whimsy and fun. If you have never taken the time to give one a spin, you may also find yourself delighted when you look through the slats and see a zooming race car or a .

This illusion of motion is the principle behind motion pictures and animation. It is caused by a process commonly called “persistence of vision,” which refers to the brain's capacity  to connect consecutive still images if they are shown in close enough succession.

Zoetropes were first invented to capitalize on this phenomenon in the 19th century. They were immensely popular for decades until they were supplanted in the turn of the 20th century by their automated descendant: the moving picture.

In their ability to combine history, art and the mysteries of the human body all at once, Culver City’s Zoetropes demonstrate how effective public art can be for stimulating conversation, educating children and making art accessible and fun.

Downtown Culver City is, in fact, full of public artworks. Just one glance at the city’s website reveals that much of the colorful background and lively atmosphere we take for granted is the result of our city’s ongoing commitment to beautification. From sculptures and murals, to mosaics and fountains, Culver City provides multiple opportunities to share art—and often our city's history—with our children.