2025 ADAMS SQUARE EXHIBITS
Threshold: Between Wilderness and Wonder
Artist: Candace and Pete Metzger
On exhibit from September 22 - November 14, 2025
This immersive installation transforms the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station into a living sanctuary that evolves from day to night. By day, sculptural elements - a human figure amid tree silhouettes, hanging tendrils, and biomorphic cocoons - create a physical forest microcosm inviting contemplation of our place within natural systems. The work suggests humans are complex organisms within larger ecological networks, our bodies functioning as cells in the environmental body. As twilight falls, the installation undergoes a metamorphosis. Digital projections illuminate the sculptures, transforming static forms into dynamic canvases that reveal overlooked beauty in our relationship with nature.
Candace J. Metzger’s work explores the complex emotional terrain of human existence within our rapidly changing world and climate reality. Through multimedia paintings using acrylics, collage, and digital methods, she creates narrative pieces that examine our deep yet fragile connections with animals and the natural world, blending surreal and whimsical imagery in a layered, dreamy aesthetic, filled with storytelling.
Pete Metzger’s work embodies the intersection of graphic design, moving image, and photography, creating visually striking narratives that captivate and engage audiences. Through his diverse artistic approaches - from clean, sophisticated graphic design to emotionally resonant photography to immersive theatrical experiences - he explores the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Candace Metzger:
Pete Metzger:
Of Wave and Stones
Artist: Yeu Q Nguyen
On exhibit from July 28 - September 19, 2025
Using water as a symbol for the quiet determination that allows us to inevitably triumph over obstacles, Of Wave and Stones pays homage to the ancient Asian wisdom on the power of resilience and the courageous immigrants and refugees who made their new lives in America. Its structural design, inspired by the construction of a bridal veil, and the use of delicate tulle debunks the myth of feminine fragility and celebrates power as a balance embodying both strength and softness.
Yeu Q Nguyen is a multidisciplinary artist and independent curator based in Los Angeles. She is known for her installations, public art programming, and community engagement art projects that increase empathy and resilience. Nguyen’s immersive installations encourage a sense of wonder and hope for the future, linking themes of contemporary Asian identity to enduring cultural traditions and stories. She is also a published poet, certified artist coach, educator, and community advocate.
Dream Stop
Artist: Delight Art Foundation
On exhibit from June 2 - July 25, 2025
Dream Stop showcases children's artwork and calls on people to stop and take time to dream. Self-portraits on boxes express the multiple sides of an artist's identity and multimedia heart creations reveal their dearest passions. Hanging from the ceiling, paper planes hold business cards that illustrate what kids would do in a world without adults. Dream Stop strives to give fuel to the community's heart.
Delight Art Foundation's goal is to establish a space where children's art can be valued and appreciated from a professional standpoint. The young artists featured all share a love for visual storytelling as each artistic interpretation of a dream consists of dynamic interests and distinct values.
Protect, Preserve, and Remember
Artist: Laura Green
On exhibit from April 21 - May 30, 2025
Protect, Preserve, and Remember uses Green’s experiences exploring the Southern California region with her family. The inspiration for the installation was imagining the Los Angeles River’s journey from mountains to sea. Each side of the cube showcases a different biome that the LA River travels through, such as mountains, woodlands, chaparral and the coast. The human figures, often children, appear to be on a similar journey. Native flora and fauna are represented on a larger scale to draw attention to their need for protection and preservation.
Green’s intention with this installation is to inspire viewers to learn more about the wildlife that surrounds them in Glendale, and to consider supporting programs that are working to protect it for future generations. Her artistic practice explores her desire to protect, preserve, and remember the time we are currently living in.
Soft Surrealism
Artist: Mandy Palasik
On exhibit from March 3 - April 18, 2025
Soft Surrealism is an abstract sculpture composed of biomorphic inflatables that magnetically connect to form amoeba-like creations. Suspended within the station’s glass architecture, the lightweight elements appear to float, softening corners and framing views on all four sides. At night, colorful beams of light activate the shapes, creating an alluring form that changes with each perspective.
Mandy Palasik Studio is a design practice based in Los Angeles that lies at the confluence of art, architecture, and community. As a site-responsive artist, Palasik's work transcends the confines of any single medium or style, resulting in a portfolio as varied and unique as the communities in which she serves. This evolving and experimental nature lies at the heart of her practice. She seeks to create interactive and playful experiences that ignite curiosity, excitement, wonder, and imagination.
Listen to our Artist Spotlight Series in which Palasik shares her background in architecture, challenges in her career as an artist, and her goals for having Soft Surrealism at the gas station.
Galaxy Mosaic
Artist: OneHouse Arts
On exhibit from January 13 - February 28, 2025
Galaxy Mosaic recreates the brilliant colors of deep space within the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station. Students’ transparent acrylic paintings of space cover the windows, allowing sunlight to create stained-glass refraction and shadows that move throughout the day with the shifting sun, our closest star. In the center of the room, dozens of foam globes decorated with mosaic patterns hang as a jewel box of distant stars and unknown planets. Over 100 students participated in this piece.
OneHouse Arts is an experimental art school and philosophy dedicated to helping children discover art on their own through inquiry and exploration. They combine the spirit of active research, art experimentation, and self-expression with the cognitive development process of children to improve their growing aesthetic ability and image communication skills while ultimately establishing a more intimate relationship between people and art.