HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 - Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park - CorrespondenceFrom:
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Honorable Mayor Dixon,
Carmen Smith <carmen8089@sbcglobal.net>
Monday, January 07, 2019 2:30 PM
Dixon, Diane
Phase IV Sculpture in the Park Exhibition
Received After Agenda Printed
January 8, 2019
Item No. 11
On your Tuesday evening agenda is an item regarding a request that the Arts Commission is making to modify
the previously approved Phase IV Sculpture in the Park Exhibition. I am a prior Arts Commissioner and chair
of the first two sculpture exhibitions, which opened in September of 2014. My wife, Carmen, is a board
member of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation. We both support this item, as we have seen the benefits of the
first three Sculpture Exhibitions to the City and the public.
The Sculpture in the Park Exhibition was designed to encourage greater public use of the Civic Center
Park. That is exactly what it has been doing. Parents bring their children, professional and amateur
photographers photograph the sculptures, and school and private groups tour the exhibition. Being in a public
park allows people to experience quality art created by professional artists.
The press has widely and favorably covered the past three exhibitions. For example, the Orange County
Register Magazine wrote this about Phase I:
" For a decade or more the award for OC's most acclaimed collection of public art could
have gone to Brea, Laguna Beach, or Costa Mesa.... But there is a new public art player
in the county: Newport Beach. The City's Inaugural Sculpture Exhibition... marks a
significant new investment in the arts in the community.... Fans of public art should
cheer...."
That bring us to another point: professional management by ArtsOC. One of the reasons professional arts
management (ArtsOC) was used as well as professional installation of the sculptures is that it encouraged the
highest quality artists to be willing to loan their works for two years at a modest fee knowing that their works
would be properly displayed. We encourage you to continue with this professional process.
The Arts Foundation is committing $15,000 towards Phase IV of this exhibition. The Foundation expects to
continue financial support and involvement with future phases. The Foundation has funded the lunch receptions
for the artists for all three phases and expects to continue doing this. The Foundation has also provided guided
docent tours for the pubic and school groups. They will continue doing that. This is an excellent example of
private/public partnership --encouraging public enjoyment of art. To that end, we believe that the City Council
should support the request of the Arts Commission.
Diane, we appreciate all the support you have shown to the Arts Foundation and Arts Commission. We truly
value your time and efforts on our behalf. By approving the Arts Commission request, Phase IV can move
ahead for 2019 and plans can begin for Phase V. We look forward to attending the Tuesday evening council
meeting and we thank you for your commitment in serving the interests of the citizens of Newport Beach.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Smith and Carmen D. Smith