Simi Dabah Sculptures

College of the Canyons is honored to have the largest collection of Simi Dabah sculptures in the world. Installed at both the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses, the unique welded-steel sculptures are created from industrial scrap metal by Mr. Dabah, a prolific artist who believed that transforming scrap metal into works of art was not just friendly to the environment, but inspirational for the viewer.

All told, 44 sculptures are on permanent display at the college's two main campuses. The first sculptures were installed beginning in the summer of 2014, with the official dedication of the Simi Dabah Sculpture Collection occurring at the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 6, 2014.

Mr. Dabah himself was there to be honored for his generous donation, representing the largest collection of permanently installed Dabah sculptures anywhere. He heard numerous accolades, offered some personal insights into his craft and inspiration, and witnessed the unveiling of the sculpture the college has named "Phoenix," located just outside the building's lobby.

"This particular placement at this college has been one of the most exciting that I can think of," he said. "I'm privileged to have been asked to do it, and I'm more privileged to see the results of the work that was done so spectacularly."

Former Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook personally selected each sculpture and determined where they would be installed as part of a campus-beautification project for the college's 45th anniversary.