With installation of "Girl Reading a Dickens Book", a metal sculpture by local artist Dore Capitani from drawings by Jan Jaspers-Fayer, Idyllwild takes a step toward becoming known as a town resplendent with what is a rarity in the western United States - public art.
I grew up in Maryland just across the district line from Washington, D.C. a public art capital. Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Saint Louis have squares with statuary, and parks graced with public art.
But as one moves west from Saint Louis, it becomes more difficult to find commemorative statures or public art on display in cities or towns. Like fireflies, public art never seemed to make the trek across the Rockies.
Of course there are exceptions, but in general it's rare to find a stature or public sculpture, and, especially as one raised in the East, I have always found that curious.
So, hats off to Capitani and Jaspers-Fayer, and good wishes to David Roy for speedy completion of his work of public art. Hopefully in the not too distant future, Idyllwild will have a marketing niche unique in Riverside County - an art capital where great statuary, sculpture and carvings are publicly placed for the free enjoyment of residents and tourists.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
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I too have lamented the relative lack of public art west of the rockies and I too hope Idyllwild will become a mecca for public art.
ReplyDeleteTo do so the existing public art needs some promotion. I therefore found it surprising that neither this blog entry nor your story in the TC, "New art at old monument location", mentions any of the other public art in town.
Specifically, what first comes to my mind are Dore Capitani's three or four other sculptures. I can never keep the exact location or number straight. I know one sits in front of the Courtyard building and there are two or three more along north circle. Regardless, the seed is here and should certainly be encouraged.
I don't exactly expect the chamber to attempt to acquire more public art anytime soon ;) however I do hope that other entities, public or private, do so.
Just a parting thought, the triangular no man's land between The Fort, Village Market and the Chevron Station sure calls for something. I have to assume someone long ago suggested placing the new tree monument, I also have to assume the fear of dealing with CalTrans quickly doused those thoughts.