Culver City Advances Charles Gaines’ “A Frame for a Tree"
Published on May 28, 2025
The City of Culver City is thrilled to announce the upcoming final phase of realizing A Frame for a Tree. This impressive public art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Charles Gaines is destined for the prominent intersection of Washington and National Boulevards. Framed as a 'Love Letter to a Tree,' this ambitious project centers on the unique relationship between a mature Ficus tree located at the site and Gaines’ proposed artwork.
"Creating A Frame for a Tree has been a profound experience, centered around a dialogue with this Ficus, the urban landscape, and the viewer," stated artist Charles Gaines. "My work explores how meaning is created, often at the intersection of systematic logic and natural forms, and this project allows that conversation to unfold on a grand scale in a public space. By framing this tree within a precise structure, I hope the viewer will consider the context of this natural space and leave with new insight. I am honored to contribute this artwork to Culver City."
Charles Gaines, a pivotal figure in the field of conceptual art and a beloved Los Angeles-based artist, is renowned for engaging formulas and systems that interrogate relationships between objective and subjective realms. His art practice, which shifted dramatically in the 1970s, involves using mathematical and numeric systems. Images of trees have figured prominently in Gaines’ work since the mid-1970s, notably in Walnut Tree Orchard and the ongoing Numbers and Trees series, where he plots tree forms through system-based approaches using numbered grids.
Gaines' concept for Culver City proposes an approximately 56’ x 98’ rectangular metal structure that will frame the mature Ficus tree at the site. This work expands on the artist’s critically acclaimed system-based works and his characteristic use of trees as subjects. The artwork creates a captivating viewpoint for the tree as well as the surrounding area. It brings new meaning to the site’s history, establishing a tension between the organic outline of the tree and the numeric logic that deconstructs its image. Lighting is an essential component intended to be subtle and elegant. Design, installation, and future maintenance of the metal frame are being carefully managed to allow for the continued growth and health of the Ficus tree, with an arborist engaged throughout all phases.
(Rendering by TOLO Architecture)
"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. A Frame for a Tree encapsulates our commitment to public art, celebrating the natural beauty of the beloved Ficus tree while honoring the area's rich history. It is a testament to years of thoughtful planning and collaborative process by the Cultural Affairs Commission, and we are thrilled to move into the final phase of bringing this vision to life."
The site, part of the Washington/National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District, has been planned for public art as a gateway and means of visually unifying the intersection since 2016. Formerly the site of the Hal Roach Studios, the location has a significant historical context that the artwork acknowledges. The sculpture is poised to stand as an important symbol of Culver City and the unique historical elements of this site.
Gaines has built a distinguished career spanning over half a century, with his work included in prominent public collections worldwide. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions, including major surveys, and has taught at CalArts School of Art for over 30 years. He is also a writer, curator, and trained musician who incorporates sound into his practice.
(Rendering by TOLO Architecture)
Esteemed art consultants Dyson & Womack, who have managed over 60 public artworks and 350 public art programs, will oversee A Frame for a Tree’s final fabrication and installation phase. The consulting firm is known for its expertise and reputation in realizing world-class, contemporary public art projects. Dyson & Womack was selected for this role by the City Council based on recommendations from the Cultural Affairs Commission and its Public Art Subcommittee.
Culver City Cultural Affairs Manager Sally Unsworth highlighted the collaborative effort to bring this project forward. "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. This project, which has been carefully developed through collaboration with the community and the expertise of Dyson & Womack, will not only enhance the public realm but also serve as a lasting symbol of Culver City's vibrant cultural identity and its connection to history."
The project is transitioning into Phase Three, which involves fabricating and installing the artwork at the site. It is estimated that the artwork will be installed in 2026.
(Rendering by TOLO Architecture)