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Artist presents 'greeters' series of South Pasadena figures; estate permissions and selection constraints highlighted
Summary
The artist presented a set of portrait 'greeters' celebrating local figures and explained legal and selection issues: 16 candidates were researched but only 12 slots are available; some likenesses (e.g., Pancho Barnes) may require estate agreements under California publicity-rights rules.
Artist Scott Feldman described the "greeters" portion of the 625 Fair Oaks artwork, which places life-size tile portraits of local historical figures on columns and pedestrian façades. Feldman said the team researched dozens of candidates but ultimately produced 16 candidate greeters to choose from and "we only have 12 spots." He walked the commission through examples — Walter Raymond, Lucretia Garfield and Minerva Hamilton Hoyt — and said each portrait would include a one-line plaque and a QR code for further history.
Feldman cautioned the commission that California rights of publicity and estate issues constrain selections: some figures (Pancho Barnes was discussed specifically) are represented by estate trusts and may require licensing or agreements before a likeness is used. He requested guidance from the commission on which historical figures to prioritize and noted the team's goal of gender diversity and an effort to surface candidates of color where documentary evidence was available. Commissioners agreed they supported the concept and allowed continued legal review and a chair/ad hoc follow-up to finalize the final set of twelve greeters.
Why it matters: the portraits are site-defining elements that intersect with local historical memory, descendant communities and potential estate rights. The commission directed staff and counsel to complete legal reviews as part of implementation.
