Full Breakdown
Lauren Halsey Unveils "sister dreamer" Sculpture Park in South Los Angeles
3/12/2026, 11:38:18 PM
Architectural Tribute to Community and History
Artist Lauren Halsey has inaugurated her public sculpture park, titled “sister dreamer lauren halsey’s architectural ode to tha surge n splurge of south central los angeles,” located at the intersection of Western Avenue and 76th Street. The park, which opened with a block party on March 14, features eight Egyptian-style Hathoric columns, each standing nearly 22 feet tall. These columns are adorned with images of local heroes, mentors, and family members, alongside sphinxes and carved reliefs, creating a space that serves as both a monument and a gathering place.
Honoring Victims and Community Leaders
A central feature of the park is an oculus that honors the victims of Lonnie David Franklin Jr., known as the Grim Sleeper, who was responsible for the murders of at least 10 Black women in Los Angeles during the 1980s and early 2000s. Halsey aims to restore dignity to these women's memories, contrasting their portrayal during the investigation with a celebration of community leaders such as Margaret Prescod, Robin Daniels, and Rosie Lee Hooks. State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) emphasized the significance of the park as a rare feminist monument, noting the scarcity of such spaces dedicated to women.
A Vision for Community Empowerment
Halsey’s vision for the park extends beyond mere commemoration; it is designed as a space for education, cultural programming, and community engagement. The park will host various public programs, including readings, film screenings, and workshops, organized by Halsey’s nonprofit, Summaeverythang Community Center. Halsey, who began conceptualizing the project nearly two decades ago, expressed her desire to preserve the history of her neighborhood while inspiring its residents. “This isn’t a eulogy for South-Central. … This isn’t about who we were. It’s very aspirational,” she stated.
Funding and Community Support
The project received substantial funding, with approximately half coming from the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project, while the remainder was sourced from other foundations and private donors. Halsey opted for independent funding to maintain creative control over the project, stating, “I wanted for once in my career to make work where I can think about who I’m making the work for and why.” The park is seen as part of a broader artistic movement in South Los Angeles, alongside other initiatives like Fulton Leroy Washington’s upcoming Art By Wash Studio & Community Center, set to open in 2028.
Community Reception and Future Plans
Local residents have welcomed the park as a vital addition to the community. Zaakiyah Brisker, founder of the South Central Run Club, highlighted the need for a public space that embodies the neighborhood's cultural identity. Marvin Valencia, co-founder of South Central Clips, noted the importance of community-driven projects, stating, “There’s nothing better than when someone from the community does things for [it].” The park will be open Wednesday through Sunday, providing a space for reflection and celebration of the local culture.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are so few [monuments and parks] dedicated to women,” — State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles)
- “This isn’t a eulogy for South-Central. … This isn’t about who we were. It’s very aspirational,” — Lauren Halsey
- “This particular monument is really about saying, for the people of the neighborhood: We are here. We have been here. And this is our representation of the joy and beauty of us.” — Christine Y. Kim, Project Curator
The “sister dreamer” sculpture park stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of South Los Angeles, offering a new narrative that celebrates its past while looking toward the future.
