Exuberant Birds: Perching Bird Pole Sculpture

Have you ever heard of a bird pole? Well, here at the intersection of Longfellow and Ozone in Santa Monica, you’ll find the “Exuberant Birds: Perching Bird Pole”. It’s one of three amazing sculptures created by artists Lauren Evans and Margaret Lazzari. The Exuberant Birds project started in 2012. Residents wanted public art, and they set aside $35,000 for it as part of the Longfellow Sustainable Street Project. The artists, Evans and Lazzari, were chosen because their proposal really captured the spirit of the neighborhood. The Exuberant Birds: Perching Bird Pole sculpture is a vibrant, hand-painted, 16-foot-tall pole. At its base are sculpted grasses. Attached to the pole are cutouts of various perching birds made from corrugated aluminum. You’ll see a scrub jay, a hummingbird, a house finch, and a goldfinch all perched together. The other two poles in the series, located at different intersections along Longfellow, feature seabirds and parrots. This artwork truly reflects the creative character of the Borderline Neighborhood. The artists visited the area several times to ensure their work harmonized with the surroundings. Evans and Lazzari are both accomplished artists. Evans is a sculptor and digital media artist, while Lazzari is an author and has even received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Next time you’re in Santa Monica, take a stroll down Longfellow Street and experience the vibrant beauty of the Exuberant Birds sculptures for yourself. They’re a testament to the power of community and public art.