Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase
Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious public art project by internationally celebrated conceptual artist Charles Gaines. The installation, titled A Frame for a Tree, will take shape at the intersection of Washington and National boulevards and is centered around a prominent mature Ficus tree at the site.
The large-scale sculpture, envisioned as a “love letter to a tree,” will feature a rectangular metal frame measuring approximately 56 by 98 feet. It is designed to encase and elevate the natural form of the tree while engaging viewers in a deeper exploration of the intersection between organic life and systematic structure—a hallmark of Gaines’ decades-long artistic practice.
“Creating A Frame for a Tree has been a profound experience,” Gaines said in a statement. “This project allows a conversation to unfold between the natural world and structured form. I hope the public walks away with new insights about the environment and our place in it.”
Gaines, a Los Angeles-based pioneer in conceptual art, is known for using logic-based systems to explore perception and meaning. Since the 1970s, tree imagery has featured prominently in his work, including in series such as Walnut Tree Orchard and Numbers and Trees, where he overlays tree forms onto numeric grids. This newest work in Culver City builds upon those ideas, bringing them into a dynamic urban setting.
“This landmark public art installation by world-renowned artist Charles Gaines marks a remarkable milestone for Culver City,” said Culver City Mayor Dan O’Brien. “As a vital gateway to our city, the Washington and National intersection deserves a piece that is iconic and deeply rooted in the site’s character.”
The proposed structure will not only frame the Ficus but also create a visual tension between its organic outline and the imposed linear geometry. Lighting components will be minimal and designed to enhance the work’s elegance, while preserving the tree’s health. An arborist will be involved throughout all phases of the project to ensure the tree continues to thrive.
The site holds historical significance as the former home of the Hal Roach Studios and serves as a gateway within the Washington/National Transit Oriented Development District. Planned since 2016 as a landmark public art location, the space is intended to visually unify the area and honor its rich heritage.
“We are incredibly excited to enter the final stage of realizing Charles Gaines’ stunning vision for the Washington and National Gateway,” said Unsworth. “Charles Gaines is a truly distinguished artist, and his concept, A Frame for a Tree, is a perfect fit for this site. It’s innovative, conceptually rich, and deeply respectful of the existing landscape, particularly the iconic Ficus tree.”
The city selected art consultancy Dyson & Womack to oversee final fabrication and installation. With over 60 public art projects to their credit, the firm was appointed based on the recommendation of Culver City’s Cultural Affairs Commission and Public Art Subcommittee.
The installation marks the project’s third and final phase, which includes full-scale fabrication and site integration. Completion is expected in 2026. Once installed, A Frame for a Tree will stand as a prominent symbol of Culver City’s evolving identity—a confluence of nature, history, and contemporary art.
