How it began: The City of Huntington Beach Public Art Program began in 1976 with the acquisition of the 'Ultimate Challenge' Surfer by Artist Edmond Shumpert located at the gateway to Huntington City Beach at Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Over 20 years later, Shumpert made another contribution to the local sculpture/art scene with his life-size bronze of Duke Kahanamoku standing in front of Huntington Surf and Sport's Surfers' Hall of Fame on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street.

While Shumpert's body of works has grown, so has the City art program. It now includes major public art elements throughout the city. Recently, the city completed the Urban Design Guidelines that provide details of the program and the requirements for both public and private projects.  Currently, there are over twenty public art sites in the city, and three additional projects have been approved for the beach area. The Public Art Program is managed by the Cultural, Historic and Event Services Division. 538 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA  92648

Huntington Beach Art Center is a public/private partnership between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation, a private non-profit foundation. Housed in a former GTE office building in the heart of downtown Huntington Beach, the 11,000 square foot HB Art Center has three galleries, a multipurpose room, commercial kitchen, studio and store.  New this year is a Plein Art painting festival held in September and October.

Regularly featured art exhibits, summer art camp, jazz concerts, several fund raising events and rental space make this attraction ideal for small functions or for art viewing. Admission to exhibits is free currently.  538 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California.   Call: 714-374-1650