In January, 2009, Friends of Hermon Dog Park was awarded an L.A. City Community Beautification matching grant to create public art in Hermon Dog Park. In June of 2011 Jolino Beserra, was selected to create a large mosaic dog sculpture in the spirit of Oaxacan animal woodcarvings that will be installed on the grassy knoll above the dog park near Avenue 60. The sculpture will symbolize how our love of dogs is universal and can bring us together.

A native of Los Angeles and a resident of Silverlake, Jolino Beserra is an animal lover and talented artist who has created public art for various public and private venues including the entrance to the Alhambra Civic Center Library Children's Room. He works in the Pique-assiette (Peek-asyet) style, incorporating broken dishes, toys and a variety of found objects for a rich and unique look. He was influenced by a summer volunteer job on Simon Rodia's Watts Towers. Check out other examples of his work on his website: www.jolinoarchitecturalmosaics.com

The project has and will involve the community in many ways. Northeast Los Angeles artists and leaders worked with the Friends of Hermon Dog Park to select the grant recipient. As part of our July "Yappy Hour", Hermon Dog Park patrons voted on which of Jolino's sketches should be used for the sculpture (the winning sketch is pictured here). In addition, the artist plans to incorporate dog park members' personal mementos into the sculpture. Check back to our Facebook page for updates as to how and when you can get involved.

We are very honored to have Jolino creating his sculpture for Hermon Dog Park. Our thanks also go to our grant writer, Miguel Martinez, the Arroyo Arts Collective, and to all the community members who have helped with the project. We are very proud to be grant recipients in this difficult economic climate. So stay tuned, there’s more to come.