‘Gentle Giants’ Bring a Magical Ecosystem to Glendale’s Adams Square

Artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry transforms the historic gas station into a reflective sanctuary of suspended paper figures and birds, inviting the community to find magic in the unfamiliar from July 13 through October 2, 2026

Glendale, famously known as the “Jewel City,” continues to cement its reputation as a thriving arts destination with its latest temporary installation, Gentle Giants. Created by artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry, this unique exhibit will be on display at the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station from Monday, July 13, through Friday, October 2, 2026.

A Family of Reclaimed Materials

The installation features a gathering of tall, hand-formed characters who act as a calm and watchful “family” within the space. These giants are constructed using a suspended collage technique, crafted entirely from black paper and painted fragments. For Cohen-Bacry, collage serves as both a technique and a philosophy, allowing her to reclaim discarded materials to create forms that appear both vulnerable and resilient.

A Gentle Ecosystem

The “giants” do not stand alone; they are joined by smaller, lighter forms suggestive of birds scattered throughout the historic gas station. Together, these figures create a “gentle ecosystem” designed to feel alive yet unhurried. The exhibit is intended to be an inclusive experience for both children and adults, inviting them to encounter large-scale art with ease and find “friendliness in the unfamiliar”.

Community and Support

Located at 1020 E. Palmer Ave., the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station serves as a unique backdrop for public art. The Adams Square Neighborhood Association will host an artist reception to celebrate the installation on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

This project is generously sponsored by the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission through the Urban Art Program. It receives additional support from several city entities, including Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and the Glendale Community Services & Parks department, all of which work to integrate art into the daily lives of Glendale’s nearly 200,000 residents.

For those looking to explore more of Glendale’s “ever-evolving” art scene, more information can be found at GlendaleLAC.org.