Neighborhood Treasure Block Party Celebration

What is the Neighborhood Treasures Program?

Neighborhood Treasures celebrates historically significant Monrovians through the installation of public art pieces in various neighborhoods throughout the community. The Neighborhood Treasures program includes specialized art work that visually represents the life and contributions of the honoree(s) a plaque with information regarding the honoree(s), and is installed at a location that is significant to the honoree(s). The goal of the program is to enrich the lives of those who view the art and improve neighborhoods by its presence.

Neighborhood Treasures was development by the Monrovia Area Partnership staff, its leaders, Art in Public Places Committee, local artists, and approved by the City Council in 2018.

Where did the idea of the Neighborhood Treasures Program come from?

The Neighborhood Services Division seeks ongoing educational and training opportunities to gain ideas that can be implemented here in Monrovia to increase community engagement.

Every year, staff attends Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA), where our team learns about what other cities within the United States is doing to positively impact their communities. At the 2017 NUSA, the Neighborhood Services staff attended a workshop where another city presented info on their program that honored historic locations and people with small similar monuments that included a plaque with historical information. Neighborhood Services staff thought, what a great idea! But, how can we do something similar in Monrovia?

How did the idea turn into a reality?

The strength of the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) program (as the name denotes) is our community partners. Through collaboration with MAP Leaders, Art in Public Places Committee, Local Artists, and City staff, this unique and impactful program came to fruition in 2018. We are now thankful to have celebrated the installation and unveiling five Neighborhood Treasures and are expected to celebrate two more in 2022!

How do we celebrate the Neighborhood Treasure honoree(s)?

In addition to unveiling the Neighborhood Treasure art piece, per MAP fashion, we celebrate the honoree(s) by including a block party celebration! Not only does the community get to see a display of beautiful art to celebrate the unsung hero(s), but also to celebrate that individual/group and the significant impact they made in the community through education, history, food, music, and bringing everyone together!