NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – If you’re a frequent user of public transportation, you may have noticed the large tile murals at the North Hollywood Metro station. It’s an art installation designed to reflect the San Fernando Valley’s citrus spirit. Called ‘Kaleidoscope Dreams,’ it was created by artist Anne Marie Karlsen.

Today, Rose Bystron is giving a tour to a group of Angelenos curious about Metro’s vast collection of public art. 

“It’s introducing people that it’s OK, one, to ride the train,” said Rose Bystron. “Two, there’s many artworks that’s public art that they can actually even touch and then learn about the story of the neighborhood that they never would have gone had they not looked for the art pieces.”

Rose is a Metro art docent and has been giving tours since she retired after working 37 years as an investment banker. Specifically, she worked on Metro’s bond deals so volunteering as a docent now allows her to enjoy how the money she helped monitor was spent. 

“Ever since I became a docent, I actually appreciate art more,” said Bystron. “The beauty of being a docent is that Metro does not only train you, but when they have the ability to invite the artist that created the work, they actually bring them in so the docent can understand what was in their process when they decided to create the specific art.”

Alisha Zalak has lived in L.A. for the last 12 years. Working in television, life is hectic, but she still takes public transportation every day. She already took the tour at Union Station so learning more about Hollywood was on her bucket list. 

“Everyone is very busy with work, but it’s amazing to have a place where you can just stop for a second and observe the art even when you’re in a hurry so you can slow down and fast up at the same time,” said Zalak. 

If you look, there’s public art at every Metro stop, over 90 stations in all. Much of the art is permanent, but some like at Union Station, the art rotates every few years, giving opportunities for artists to reach a huge audience. For volunteer docents like Bystron, this makes life after retirement a lot of fun. 

“I wanted to do something more fun and I figured from numbers I can move on to something that’s beautiful which is the artwork,” said Bystron.

If you'd like to book a free tour, visit Metro Art Tours.