Monuments

Monuments are perhaps an omnipresent type of public art. From massive monuments such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to much smaller statues and busts commemorating more localized heroes, monument art exists everywhere from big cities to small rural communities.

Sculpture

Sculpture is perhaps second only to monuments in terms of omnipresence. Public sculpture can range from the enormous images carved into Mount Rushmore to the easily overlooked smaller works of art that routinely decorate office building lobbies. Many cities commission sculptors to provide representational as well as nonrepresentational works to enhance public parks and downtown areas. Typically this kind of public art is crafted from highly durable materials that can withstand the ravages of weather.

Performance Art

People who play music in the subway, perform mime on the streets and engage in other free entertainment in a public place are examples of public art known collectively as performance art. Another type of public art is a free musical or theatrical performance that takes place on a stage and allows the audience to sit in a particular place. Real performance art continues as audience members stop for a moment or 10 minutes before continuing on their way.

Living Statues

One potentially frightening type of public art is the living statue. This artwork requires a person to be made up to resemble a statue. This makeup process is usually quite elaborate and can bring about the illusion of the human being actually seeming to be made of marble or bronze. Living statues typically remain motionless for extended periods of time and often draw big laughs from their audience by suddenly coming to life and scaring a person who did not realize they are not actually a statue.

Fountains

Some public fountains are examples of public art. These fountains contain sophisticated water jets that create the effect of dancing water. Other fountains might use electronically controlled lighting designs or even enhance their beauty with fog effects.

Posters

Posters should definitely be considered public art. Posters can range from elaborate and mass- produced movie posters to handmade posters advertising local concerts to political posters. Posters can be put on display in a variety of public places ranging from movie theaters to store windows to light poles. Posters are probably the most disposable of all public art because they are least able to withstand inclement weather unless protected in a glass casing.

Architecture

Perhaps the most overlooked public art is architecture. This may be because it seems too utilitarian to be considered a work of art. While it is true that most buildings are simply not qualified to be considered works of art, magnificent structures ranging from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Chrysler Building to nearly everything that architect Frank Gehry has designed must certainly be viewed as works of art as well as works of utility.