"Public art," according to Sokichi Sugimura, president of the Public Art Research Institute, "is anything that has artistic value in the eyes of the general public."
Since much of "art" is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder, Sugimura's definition certainly covers the field. In Japan, for instance, there is an abundance of creative works in both cities and country towns that have been fashioned and positioned to please the public eye.
However, critics might quibble whether those pretty picture-tiles set into walkways, or naturalistic bronzes of nudes or old couples, rightly qualify under the heading of "art." Decorative, harmonious and pleasing they may be, but many insist "art" needs to be challenging, inspirational or even astonishing as well.