In the near future, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to enjoy a new interactive art exhibit sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita and the California Institute of the Arts. Located along the arroyo between the Valencia and McBean Bridges, the STROLL project consists of six sound-art modules that take the form of interactive playback devices.

Similar to music boxes, the sound-art modules are suspended from six poles along the path and play sounds produced by 14 artists, including students from the Institute’s Center for Integrated Media, faculty and visiting artists. The digitally sampled and mixed sounds were generated from field recordings, electronic sounds, spoken word and performed music. Cultural influences come from Nepal, India, Brazil and our own Santa Clarita Valley.

“We want to make all forms of art readily accessible in our community, and this project is unlike any public art we’ve installed to date,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “We have some of the world’s best artists at CalArts and STROLL is a fun way to showcase their talent and creativity.”

Because Californians spend so much time in their vehicles, strolling is a rare pastime, according to CalArts. The project is designed to encourage people to get out, pause and listen.

“CalArts’ Integrated Media Program unites art, science and technology,” said its director Tom Lesser. “STROLL applies these disciplines to alter perceptions of the natural world.  With changing light and weather conditions, walkers and bike riders will never experience STROLL the same way twice—giving them limitless reasons to get out of the car and enjoy the outdoors.”

STROLL is part of the City of Santa Clarita City Council’s and Arts Commission’s efforts to provide a variety of enriching art experiences in the community through public art in public spaces.  For more information about this and other arts projects, click here.