Florence Avenue in Sebastopol California

Florence Avenue in Sebastopol, California is a unique street lined with whimsical sculptures created by French-born artist Patrick Amiot. Amiot’s sculptures are made from recycled junk materials, and they can be seen along the street in front of homes, as well in front of many local Sebastopol businesses.

Amiot and his wife, Brigitte Laurent, moved to Sebastopol in 1997, and they began creating their sculptures soon after. They are self-described “urban folk artists,” and their work is inspired by a variety of sources, including nature, pop culture, and their own imaginations.

The Crow Bar sculpture, a row of metal crows perched on barstools at a small painted bar An orange scrap metal taco truck sculpture called El Cabron Tacos, with two figures serving from the window

Amiot’s sculptures are made from a wide variety of materials, including scrap metal, old appliances, and even discarded car parts. He welds the pieces together to create scenes, figures, animals, and objects. His wife Laurent then paints the sculptures with bright and bold colors.

Some of the my favorite sculptures on Florence Avenue include a guitarist with a planter head, a red pick-up truck with a cow in the back, and a taco truck. The taco truck is currently located in the artists front yard, which you are allowed to walk through and has the most sculptures on the street.

Florence Avenue has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. In a way it’s a unique and quirky adage to the town of Sebastopol. Visitors come to admire the unique sculptures and take photos. It’s a classic Sonoma county spot for anyone who knows the area.

In addition to being a popular destination in Sebastopol, Florence Avenue is also apart of a thriving artistic community. Amiot and Laurent’s home studio is located on the street, and there are several other artists who live and work in the surrounding area. There are also some awesome restaurants nearby. If you visit, my favorite Thai restaurant, Khom Loi, is just down the street. I recommend making a res and going there for lunch or dinner after seeing the sculptures.

If you are ever in Sebastopol, be sure to take a walk down Florence Avenue to see the amazing sculptures created by Patrick Amiot. You won’t be disappointed!

A skeleton riding a scrap metal chopper motorcycle beneath a large tree on a front lawn A tall striped cat sculpture on a painted drum at the corner of Florence Avenue and Hamilton Avenue in Sebastopol Two metal owl sculptures with wide orange eyes perched on a branch against a magnolia tree The Realtor sculpture, a house headed figure with a dollar sign eye, beside red painted steps and a Vulcan Diner sign A galvanised metal hare sculpture wearing a blue saddle blanket, leaping above a garden of grasses A tall Oakland Athletics baseball player built from scrap metal drums, holding a ball in a front garden A dark metal dog sculpture standing beside a Little Free Library book box in a planted front yard A view down Florence Avenue past a palm tree, with a starship sculpture and painted figures lining the sidewalk A cow driving a red pickup truck sculpture, mounted on posts in a front garden beside a yellow house

Find out more about Amiot’s work HERE