Institution

The Torch of Knowledge was created in 1965 to commemorate the college’s Golden Anniversary (1915 to 1965). The message on the background marque states, “Fifty years of dedicated higher educational service, symbolizing the dedication to higher education and the pursuit of knowledge.”  The monument consists of four pillars soaring high into the air, supported and connected at two points. Little has been written about the artist/ designer or the history behind the monument beyond the words of the inscription and dedication. One historic photograph is widely available (linked below) but additional information about the history of the piece was not available.

Torch of Knowledge- picture from Calisphere California photo archive

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Located at the parking lot entrance to Citrus College off of Citrus Avenue, the Torch of Knowledge is a significant local landmark, but the creator is unknown. This iconic symbol stands as a testament to the college's long-standing commitment to enlightenment, guiding students toward academic excellence for over a century.

Torch of Knowledge

Experience local community art throughout Glendora.  The city's community artwork reflects the identity, culture, history, and ideas of Glendora through murals, signs, architecture, sculptures, and more!

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Located on Glendora’s last remaining citrus farming lot (purchased by Rubel from Albourne Ranch Company), the Castle was hand-built by Michael and his friends using local supplies, sometimes in quite unexpected ways! As the Glendora Historical Society noted on their application to classify the castle on the National Register of Historic Places, “Embedded in the mortar of the Castle walls are many recycled and found objects and curios, such as bottles, household items, and appliances, as well as portions of bicycles and motorcycles.” The GHS goes on to explain that “while the castle has no specific architectural style, the use of stream rocks and boulders from the San Gabriel Mountains, used as structure, veneer, and hardscaping throughout the grounds, gives Rubel Castle the distinct look and feel of a picturesque medieval village.” This whimsical artistic village offers a one-of-a-kind look at the Glendora folk art scene.

The brainchild of Glendora resident Michael Clarke Rubel, Rubel Castle is one of the major folk-art landmarks in the San Gabriel Valley. Construction on the Castle began in the mid 1960s and carried on until it was finally finished in 1986. Parts of its architecture are visible from outside the complex proper, including its beautiful iron wrought entrance complete with colorful rooster! Gifted by Rubel in his will to the Glendora Historical Society in 2005, the Society offers paid tours of the Castle for those who want a closer look.

Rubel Castle

After a previous clay sculpture was destroyed by vandals, the Citrus Alumni Association, Associated Students of Citrus College, and the Citrus College Foundation combined resources to commission a new work of art. It was unveiled on October 25, 2000, as a part of the 85th anniversary celebration for the College. The local artist, Richard Myer, came highly recommended. The Glendora resident has created thousands of bronze sculptures for an impressive list of customers that range from Hollywood celebrities during a career that has spanned 50 years.   When you’re doing something you love to do, there’s nothing like it in the world,” Myer said.

After a brief walk from the Foothill parking lot to the front of the Citrus College library, the Owl fountain is clearly visible. This 300-pound, four-foot-tall bronze sculpture of an owl was created by Glendoran sculptor Richard Myer in October of 2000 to represent the Citrus College mascot the “Fighting Owl.” Sitting atop the central fountain, the owl appears to be perched on a branch, a choice that allowed the artist to showcase the bird’s wingspan.

Hayden Memorial Library, Citrus College: Owl Fountain

“Facsimiles of Aztec Calendar and Four Quetzlcoatls” reflects aspects of Mesoamerican culture. “Portrayed are the four supernatural forces or patterns in the sky (constellations) which make the changing of the seasons possible. The serpents receive their power from the Lord of Heaven, Tonatiuh, the Sun. Each of these representations show the humanized figures completely surrounded by the body of the plumed flying serpent, Quetzalcoatl, symbolizing the fact that all are the creation of a higher power and are, therefore, subject to a higher law. On the body of each serpent is shown the symbols of the gifts of each season to creation.”--Hayden Memorial Library catalog item description

“Facsimiles of Aztec Calendar and Four Quetzalcoatls” is a significant piece housed outside the Math building at Citrus College in Glendora, California. Originally crafted by David Villaseñor, it was later recreated on August 15, 2005, by Frank Zamora, with assistance from Victor Verhovod and Jahn Kloss. This work, part of the Citrus College Archive Collection, is maintained by the college’s Hayden Memorial Library.

Facsimiles of Aztec Calendar and Four Quetzalcoatls

The Rev. Karen Davis, pastor of First Christian Church of Glendora, stated that the project is an offshoot of the FCCG Art Academy, which members founded in 2000 on the belief that art feeds the soul. “Francis Schaeffer wrote ‘To create and applaud art is part of what it means to be human,’ and I agree with that idea,” Davis said. “I believe that all of us find joy, entertainment, enrichment, encouragement, and hope in art. I believe that we connect with God, our Creator, by engaging in creativity.” As a sign of the art happening inside the building, Davis said the church commissioned local artist Mary Blandino to create a mural outside of it.  Blandino teaches art and studio etiquette at the FCCG Art academy. Her design is based on Genesis 9:14-15, “Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you.” The hope is that the rainbow-colored clouds serve as a reminder of God’s covenant of protection and hope for all people, Davis said.  In 2024 a granite plaque was added noting the artist, the title of the mural, and the inspiration behind it. A separate "First Christian Church" monument, featuring California Poppies, is situated directly in front to the building. This artwork went up in 2020, designed by artist Lynn Hendricks.

The mural, “Covenant of Faith" is based on Genesis 9:14-15. First Christian Church commissioned local artist Mary Blandino for the piece, and she completed the work in 2023. The art piece spans two sides of the church's corner tower, and is visible from the sidewalk on the northeast corner of Glendora and Bennett Avenues.

First Christian Church Covenant of Faith Mural

Jade Knight of Hilltop Real Estate, who commissioned the piece, stated:"I had been thinking about doing something on that wall for a long time, and then one day I got a text message from Mary Blandino (art instructor at FCGG Art Academy Program) who runs the pumpkin patch/Christmas tree lot. She asked if I was interested in having a mural there and that she had some longtime friends who had asked her about the spot. I of course said yes and we met on site on a Sunday. Mary introduced me to Lacey O'Leary and Julia Wunner of Brilly. Lacey and Julia already had an incredible mock-up of the mural in-hand and asked If I would be willing to pay for materials and equipment rentals, etc."Jade paid for the materials and the mural was completed in about two weeks, with much positive feedback from the Glendora community.

This wall mural, "Our City, Our Home," composed of the word “Glendora” was created in 2022 by Lacey O'Leary and Julia Wunner. The mural is approximately 50 feet wide by 14 feet high covering 700 square feet. One of the newer murals of Glendora, it was completed in about two weeks.

Hilltop Real Estate Mural

The Military Memorial was made possible through countless volunteer hours and donations and stands as a powerful tribute to the courage and dedication of military members. Sprague’s Ready Mix of Irwindale made significant contributions to the project, donating materials to support its construction, and expressing honor at being part of this meaningful initiative. Keynote speaker and retired National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Andrews, a native of Glendora, commended the city on the massive community effort that made the memorial possible. “This memorial is here because of efforts and generosity of the people of this fine town,” Andrews said. Visitors reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Glendora residents through the years.

The granite military memorial next to Glendora City Hall honors the sacrifices of servicepeople, including 39 local heroes who died in action. It recognizes those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as peacetime losses. It is a timely reminder that "freedom isn't free".

Glendora Military Memorial

The mural "Aportaciones de la Cultura Maya y del Hombre Moderno" was commissioned by the City of Merida, Mexico, and painted to commemorate a visit of Merida government officials to Glendora in 1976. Merida Mexico is one of Glendora’s Sister Cities, and the visit and mural were intended to celebrate the bond between the people of Merida and Glendora and be a symbol of their ongoing cooperation and friendship. The piece includes images from Mayan history and is signed and dated in the bottom left corner with the artists names as well as the title of the piece in Spanish.

This large mural on the wall of the Bidwell Forum was painted by Mexican artists Manuel Lizama and Sergio Cuevas. They completed the work in July of 1976, and it is titled, “Aportaciones de la Cultura Maya y del Hombre Moderno” or “Contributions of the Mayan Culture and the Modern Man.”

Mayan Cultural Mural- Bidwell Forum

The mural features silhouettes of children reading and playing, painted in blue, light blue, and ivory, and was painted by artist, and teacher, Nancy Connard. Along with her husband Kevin, the Connards volunteered with the Glendora Reads! Adult Literacy program and it was through those contacts that Nancy approached the Library about donating a mural.  The mural was commissioned by the Glendora Public Library Board of Trustees. After Connard and librarian Cindy Romero decided on a design, Connard obtained a can of paint donated by the Home Depot in San Dimas and took about four weeks to finish the mural on the ramp to the Children’s Room. "The staff has been very helpful and available to people in the community, as far as getting people to be able to read," Nancy said. "It's a neat place to go."

This mural was created by artist Nancy Connard. Although it is untitled, the artist's name and contact information appear on the work of art. It was painted in August of 2012 and is located on the ramp welcoming visitors to the Glendora Public Library's Children's Room in the southwest corner of the Library.

Glendora Public Library Children’s Room Mural

The metal art piece consists of three oak trees with gold, green, olive, and brown hands attached as leaves and a dove. Each of the hands and the dove has the name of a person, family, or organization engraved on it to commemorate their donation to the library children's program. The opportunity to donate and add a hand to the art piece was introduced during Night on the Plaza in 2007. Brochures to trace a family member’s hand and add a signature were made available in the weeks following the event and the art piece was mounted on the wall of the Friends Room, which is an expansion of the Glendora Public Library.

This art piece is located in the Glendora Public Library Friends Room. It consists of three large metal trees with metal hands and a metal dove around the trees. The art piece is titled “Hands Creating the Future" and it was commissioned in July 2007 by the Glendora Public Library Friends Foundation. The artist is Conrad Brazzel.

Glendora Public Library "Hands Tree" Mural

This collection of murals was intended to pay homage to the previous transit stations that once existed at this location, and was commissioned as a part of the Glendora Station Townhome development. Due to it's location across the street from the Glendora Post Office, the artist chose to make tiles that looked like vintage post cards.According to the artist:The imagery for the Cuerda Seca (dry-line) tiles celebrates the idea of travel and specifically this site in Glendora. The Welcome to California pays homage to the abundance of fruits and vegetable that were grown in California, and specifically the golden poppy which is the state flower.  The Greeting from Glendora invites viewers to reminisce of travel to and around Glendora with fields of orange groves and the foothills being prominent in the design. The 3 middle panels reference the 3 train stations that were on this site, each with the spray of bougainvillea noting the Bennett, Ca Historical monument: the Victorian style station from the turn of the 19th century, the art deco station from the 1920s and the most contemporary from the 1940s, notably with the Red Car prominently featured.  Several students from the Citrus Community College art department assisted the artist with this project.

This art piece consists of five Cuerda Seca tiles designed by Michael Hillman, the artist who designed the artwork for the Glendora Gold Line Station. The tiles adorn a wall on the south west corner of Glendora Ave and E. Ada Ave., outside the Glendora Station Townhome community near downtown Glendora.

Glendora Station Cuerda Seca "Postcard" tiles

The city-selected artist is Michel Hillman. Michael’s plan for the station is derived from the rich history of the town in which he lives and works: Glendora. “Glendora Home: A Slice of Sunshine,” is the title of Michael’s theme for the station and refers to a brand of citrus that was grown and packed in Glendora and the company’s slogan: “A Slice of Sunshine.”  The artwork on display includes two large glass oval columns that welcome riders to the station. These columns are embellished with bright colors and depict images associated with Glendora such as bougainvillea, citrus, and the foothills. The bases of each of the station canopy columns feature hand-glazed art tiles designed by Hillman using tessellation, a process that results in a consistent pattern when the tiles are mounted on the platform. There are six unique tile designs which are combined in different configurations on each column. Platform pavers are designed to depict the Glendora tartan pattern.

The Glendora Station and associated 302-space parking facility (with charging stations for EVs, bicycle parking, and bus and drop-off areas) is located just south of the city’s historic downtown, east of Vermont Avenue and west of Glendora Avenue. The station artwork was designed by local artist Michael Hillman who selected the theme “A Slice of Sunshine.”

Glendora Foothill Metro Station Artwork

These ceramic tile murals were created through the Citrus College program of collaboration between artist and faculty member Michael Hillman and ceramics and arts students. The program receives public and private art commissions, these pieces having been commissioned by the nearby Union Bank."Pride of the Foothills" depicts an orange grove with foothills in the background. There is a California Route 66 highway sign on the right side and a Grand Ave. sign on the left side of the mural."Glendora" depicts an orange grove with a California Route 66 highway sign on the left and Grand Ave. sign on the right. There are also two pillars flanking the mural, each with a California Route 66 sign.

These ceramic tile monuments are located on the southwest corner of Grand Ave and Route 66 ("Pride of the Foothills") and the northwest corner of Grand Ave and Route 66 ("Glendora"). They are both hand-made ceramic tile monuments and are installed on curved free-standing concrete and stone walls.Pride of the Foothills is 26 inches high by 123 inches long and was created in 2009. Glendora is18-inch high by 147-inch long and is flanked by two sone pillars, each bearing a California US 66 highway sign. It was created in 2012.Both monuments were created through the Citrus College Visual Arts program by faculty member Michael Hillman and his ceramic and arts students.

“Pride of the Foothills” and "Glendora" Ceramic Tile Monument Signs

Commissioned by proud parents and sponsors, the Band Mural was dedicated and installed on the 50th anniversary of the Glendora High School Band’s participation in the New Year’s Rose Parade. It highlights the achievements of the Glendora Tartan Band and Pageantry.  The mural includes a rose motif and a list of years the school band participated in the Rose Parade. A plaid pattern surrounds the mural in the school colors of black, green and red, as well as an image of a piper to celebrate the Glendora High Pipe Band. A musical score with the words "The Gift of Music" make up the center of the mural.

This mural is visible from the parking lot on Valley Center Drive. It was commissioned January 1st, 2014, and created by artists Mark Kramer (Painter); Dean Hawkins (Designer); Chris Allec (Piper Artist); Carlos Taverna (Painter); Rajesh Parti (Painter); and Grant Paek (Painter). It covers one side of the band/orchestra building on the Glendora High School campus.

Glendora High School Band Mural

Josh Hall, son of Handel’s owners Alan and Lisa Hall, said that they commissioned the artwork specifically with Robert Meyers Studio in Pasadena, because of their relationship with the Meyer family and said they were "great people to work with..." Bobby Meyers, the mural artist, also lives in Glendora with his family. The mural reflects the small town feel of Glendora. In the summer heat of 1945, Alice Handel created the sweetest of legacies in Youngstown, Ohio. Using fresh fruit from her backyard garden and her own personal recipes, Alice lovingly made ice cream that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Handel’s Ice Cream, and a commitment to quality, was born.

"Glendora Handel's" by Bobby Meyers, 2024.The artwork wall is adjacent to the Handel's Ice Cream storefront, facing west in the Diamond Ridge Shopping Center, in the common area just east of AMC Theaters.  The mural was commissioned by the store owners to celebrate the small town feel they appreciate about Glendora.

Glendora Community Art

Torch of Knowledge

Introduction

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Backstory and Context

Additional Information