LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Eye-catching asymmetric love seat donated to Moraga


Asymmetric love seat adorns front of Moraga Library. Photo Vera Kochan

It may come as a surprise to many Moraga Library patrons who have gotten used to seeing the bright orange (vermilion) bench since August 2016, but the outdoor work of art was only on loan. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Art in Public Spaces Committee, WeWILL (Women Instilling a Lasting Legacy) and the Lamorinda Arts Council, the asymmetric love seat has been permanently donated to the town.

A formal presentation was made during the Jan. 9 town council meeting with former vice mayor and WeWILL member Teresa Onoda heading up the honors: "A group of women put their hearts, their minds and their money together to purchase this bench for Moraga."

The eco-friendly bench was created by award-winning Walnut Creek artist Colin Selig, who uses repurposed scrap propane tanks for his utilitarian artwork. The bright orange color was chosen to serve as a "landmark" element for people trying to find the library.

Selig presented the town with a Certificate of Authenticity, saying, "It's delightful to have my work here in Moraga. I live a town or two away, so I feel like it's in my backyard. I'm delighted to have it in a public location where many people will be able to enjoy it."

The process begins with the Art in Public Spaces Committee searching to find sculptors and artists with interesting, public-friendly artwork. Committee members also make sure that the art is safe while searching for places to install it. Once those criteria have been met, a presentation is made before the town council for its approval to greenlight the installation.

The members of WeWILL generously donated nearly $5,000 to purchase the love seat with the assistance from the Lamorinda Arts Council. A commemorative plaque will be installed at the bench listing the donors and honoring the memory of members Rita Rijavec, Jeanette Fritzky and Edy Schwartz.