HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/12/2015 - City Arts Commission - 09 Staff Report Replacement of Sphere 112 SculptureABSTRACT:
Sphere 112 is one of the works featured in Phase 1 of the Inaugural Newport Beach Civic Center Park
Sculpture Exhibition. Because of issues with oxidization resulting from Newport Beach’s coastal
environment, the sculptor, Ivan McLean, has agreed to fabricate a replacement piece from a more
durable marine grade stainless steel.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Arts Commission authorize the installation of a replacement piece for Sphere
112.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Installation costs, estimated at $1600.00, will be covered by Account No. 4002-8080, “Professional
Services”.
DISCUSSION:
Sphere 112 by Ivan McLean, is one of the works featured in Phase 1 of the Inaugural Newport Beach
Civic Center Park Sculpture Exhibition. The piece was named for the size of its diameter, 112 inches.
Mr. McLean assembled the piece from stainless steel rods of various shapes and sizes selected randomly
and welded together. Currently installed adjacent to Avocado Avenue just north of the intersection with
San Miguel Drive, Sphere 112 was voted as the People’s Choice for best sculpture at the Grand Opening
of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park on September 13th, 2014. Mr. McLean has many
examples of public and private art on display throughout the country.
One concern, however, is the durability of the piece in Newport Beach’s coastal environment. Cursory
inspection reveals that the piece has oxidization present where the stainless steel rods are welded
together as well as some oxidation on the rods themselves (see ATTACHMENT B). Discussions with the
sculptor, Ivan McLean, indicate that Sphere 112 was fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel which is
durable in most situations but does not fare well in a corrosive marine environment. Mr. McLean also
thinks that the oxidization at the weld joints is a result of contamination in the finishing process. In
response to this concern, Mr. McLean has agreed to replace Sphere 112 with a similar piece fabricated
from the more durable marine grade 316 stainless steel, welded with stainless steel flux, and finished in
a contamination-free environment. It would not be a reproduction but it would be quite similar
conceptually. The funds required to remove Sphere 112 and to ship and install the replacement piece
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tim Hetherton
TITLE: Replacement of Sphere 112 Sculpture
can be drawn from Account No. 4002-8080, “Professional Services”. Dave Aeppli of display, who
installed the Phase 1 sculptures in the Civic Center Park, estimates installation costs at $1600.00.
The Newport Beach Arts Foundation has expressed interest in purchasing Sphere 112 and donating it to
the City. Installing a replacement piece constructed from site appropriate marine grade stainless steel
will provide an opportunity for the Arts Foundation to see how the sculpture fares in our coastal
environment before making a final purchase.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item). graph describing any methods of notification, if
applicable.]