LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Going, Going...Sold


John Toki's Springtime is located in front of the Community Center. Photo provided

Orinda recently acquired two sculptures that have been on loan to the City for the past few years: Gale Wagner's Outta Here, more commonly know as the frog that jumps over the Library fountain, and Springtime, a columnar sculpture located in front of the Community Center on the right as you enter.

"This has been possible through a wonderful partnership between the City and the APPC [Art in Public Places Committee]," said Ted Urban, Chair of the APPC, at Monday's City Council meeting. The Council voted unanimously to purchase the two sculptures, which had a combined price tag of $46,000, with a combination of Park Dedication funds and private donations.

Park Dedication fees are assessed on commercial and residential development projects, and the funds may only be used for the creation and improvement of park and recreation facilities in the city, explained Parks and Recreation Director Todd Skinner. The Council set aside $20,000 over the past two years for the procurement of public art, and the APPC set to work to solicit matching funds.

"There is enthusiastic support for the Art in Public Places program," said Urban, reporting that the Committee was able to exceed the matching fund goal to raise a total of $26,000 to make the purchases possible.

The primary focus of the APPC is to obtain art on loan and regularly rotate what is displayed in the City's public spaces around the Library and Community Center, explained Urban, "But residents have become attached to some of the pieces and did not want to lose them." Half of the contributions came from individuals and half from organizations including the Orinda Community Foundation and the Friends of the Orinda Library, said Urban.

"This is a fine use of these funds for a program that really enhances our City," stated Council Member Steve Glazer.