Hidden Garden Steps

The Hidden Garden Steps transformed from a frequently vandalized, neglected concrete staircase into a vibrant mosaic landmark through the persistence of local neighbors. Residents who lived nearby spent years battling graffiti and litter on these 148 steps before deciding to convert the space into a community-led art installation. They collaborated with artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, who designed the intricate ceramic imagery of native California flora and fauna that you see today. The project officially opened in December 2013 and relies on an ongoing commitment from volunteers who maintain the surrounding drought-tolerant gardens and keep the mosaic surfaces pristine.