Panel picks public artwork

Suzie Harrison

After much discussion and deliberation, the Arts Commission

recommended Saturday that Linda Brunker’s “The People’s Council”

sculpture be placed at City Hall.

Competition for the Art in Public Places installation was keen,

and the stakes are high, with the largest honorarium in the city’s

history to be paid -- $80,000.

In an unusual motion, Arts Commissioner Pat Kollenda asked the

panel to note John Barber’s “Star Thrower” as their second choice.

The vote was close -- Brunker won by one vote, receiving four to

Barber’s three.

The City Council will consider the recommendation at its July 19

meeting.

Longtime Laguna resident Barber is hoping the Council will decide

to support his proposal over Brunker’s.

“Here’s my plan: it was such a close vote; I’m passionate about my

piece for City Hall,” Barber said. “I want to present what I proposed

to the City Council.”

He said Brunker, who is not a local, does not know the community

like he does.

“I’ve been here 27 years and have been involved in this art

community,” Barber said. “[My piece] reflects the community, values

the tide pools and appeals to a broad base. I’m passionate about this

and can’t give it up yet.”

“Linda’s a fine artist, but my feelings are that her piece is more

of a generic piece; it would be a better City Hall piece for Santa

Ana. It isn’t tailored for this town.”

He feels feedback from the community should be a consideration.

“I’m asking our community, if they believe as I do, to come to

City Hall to express that,” he said.

Brunker, who lives in Wildomar, said she does not consider herself

the victor yet.

“As far as I am aware, I haven’t won yet. The City Council needs

to decide,” Brunker said. “I am being recommended as first choice.”

She said she is glad there has been much discussion about the

competition.

“A motion was made to recommend a second choice. From his [John’s]

point of view, he still has a chance,” Brunker said. “I don’t blame

him to want to make the most of it and go for it.

“It’s a big commission and deserves to be properly discussed and

considered.”

Eleven artists entered the competition, none submitting a piece

with nudity after the Council indicated that nude art would not be

accepted at the site.

The field was narrowed down to six artists, who presented their

work at the July 9 Arts Commission meeting.

The first vote was divided with two votes for Barber’s piece, one

for Gerard Basil’s “Friendship Square” and four for “The People’s

Council.”

Commissioner Mary Ferguson made a motion to narrow it down to

“Star Thrower” and “The People’s Council.”

Panel members Kollenda, Dora Wexell and Ferguson voted for “Star

Thrower.” Mike Tauber, Terry Smith and Nancy Beverage cast their

votes for “The People’s Council.” With the votes split and one vote

left, chair Jan Sattler said she was in a tough place.

“Both speak to Laguna, both in a spiritual way,” Sattler said.

“The choice is extremely hard, [but] I support the installation of

‘The People’s Council.’”

Kollenda then followed with her motion for a second choice.

Sattler and Beverage voted no.

This is the second time a public art competition has been held at

this location. The first competition was held in 1991, and the piece,

“Synthetic Falls,” had to be removed about two years ago because it

had become a safety hazard.

The city hall location has been a difficult one for the Arts

Commission.

In 1991, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend

two proposals, giving the council the final choice.

Council member Toni Iseman says the site is a sensitive one.

“It’s a difficult location for a sculpture,” Iseman said. “For me,

part of my decision is to look at what the space accommodates.”

Iseman said the previous sculpture in that location did not have

the space it needed to be appreciated.

“I don’t want to make that mistake again,” Iseman said. “I’m going

to listen to the Arts Commission, listen to the public and ultimately

we’ll have to make our choice.”

QUESTION

Can the city have too much public art? Write us at P.O. Box 248,

Laguna Beach, CA, 92652, e-mail us at [email protected] or

fax us at 494-8979. Please give your name and tell us your home and

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