On display The power of public art

Fun and fantastic works of public art abound in the Bay Area, which is blessed with an abundance of creative talent. Stroll around and you’ll find pieces ranging from silly to stunning, from retro to futuristic. Here are some of our favorite art works in the East Bay.

The “Flame of Inspiration” by artist Amie Jacobsen sits at Fremont’s Inspiration Plaza. ARIC CRABB — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Bear claws from the grizzly bear statute standing sentry at Cal’s Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, a mammoth work among East Bay public art. RAY CHAVEZ — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A view of artist Taraneh Hemami’s “Ever Green” sculpture, a 24-foot oak tree crafted of stainless steel and surfaces of iridescent green glass, in front of the Atlas high-rise tower in Oakland. JANE TYSKA — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

“Journey of a Bottle,” created in 2010 by artist Marta Thoma, is on display at the Walnut Creek Library. Thoma studied fine art at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Isaline Nemeth, 6, of Oakland, reaches for her friend Ava Nakayama, 6, of Orinda, as they play on a 42-foot long crocodile statue named “Niloticus” at Point San Pablo Harbor in Richmond. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A photo shows detail of “The Play” statue at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. RAY CHAVEZ — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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