Artists: Jim Jacobson, Erick Wand and Will Carlton

The “American Spirit” is located at the City’s bus transfer center and has a transportation theme. Etched metal photos from the county’s early history describe various methods of transportation from the 1800s through the 20th century. Sketches depict the Chumash Tomol canoe, vaqueros and street carriage, while local photos show the Mission Carreta, stage coach, wagon, early railways, steamship, turn-of-the century automobile, airplane, bicycle, bookmobile, and a motorized bicycle.

The grizzly bear and palm tree represent Palm and Osos Streets where the sculpture is located. Above these are stylized wheels, representations of the Carreta, wagon, and modern day wheels. Molded glass tiles created in transportation-themed colors red, green, and amber, crown the piece.