| | Published May 11th, 2022
| Two pieces of art to be purchased for Orinda
| | | By Sora O'Doherty |  | | Surfboard Seat Photos provided |
Based on the recommendations of the Art in Public Places Committee, the Orinda City Council has agreed to the purchase of two pieces of art that have been on loan to the city for some years.
Surfboard Seat, by Wes Horn, has been located adjacent to the sidewalk near the Nation's restaurant on Moraga Way in the Theatre District since July 2015. According to the staff report, the functional attribute of this piece is unique to the current collection of pieces on loan to the city. The report also says the piece features a "unique design, using precast concrete coupled with bright color in the way of mosaic tiles, [and] can be moved relatively easily, which allows members of the APPC to relocate the bench when new art becomes available. This flexibility is key to keeping the collection fresh and interesting while providing functional seating in appropriate locations so it can be enjoyed."
Artist Doug Heine has supported the Orinda Art in Public Places program since its very beginning with loans of five different pieces over the years. The metal sculpture, Full Circle, was formerly placed in front of Mechanics Bank in 2017, before moving to a local art gallery. The work is approximately 6.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide and consisting of metal on aluminum. The artist says that the work was inspired by the times that his life went full circle and he hopes the composition shows the harmony of form. The APPC looks forward to more of Doug's artistry to be on loan in Orinda in the future.
According to city policy, to be considered for purchase, among other criteria, a piece of art must be thought-provoking, memorable or enduring and reflect diverse social, cultural or historic values of the city. A piece must be appropriate in terms of scale, form, content and the environment and be durable relative to theft, vandalism and the environment. A piece may not be religious iconography intended to be perceived as government endorsement of religion in violation of the Establishment Clause of the Federal and State Constitutions and may not create a hostile work environment for public employees, nor may it depict graphic violence or overt sexual activity.
The cost for Surfboard Seat is $2,200 and the cost for Full Circle is $6,500. According to Director of Parks and Rec, Todd Trimble, over the years, private citizens have contributed to the Arts in Public Places program by offering a donation to the Orinda Parks and Recreation Foundation. The foundation manages the funds in a separate account and releases them at the request of the Arts in Public Places Committee. The Orinda Community Foundation has also contributed funds in the past toward the purchase of public art for Orinda. The city has also used Park Dedication funds in the past to help fund purchases. |
 | | Full Circle Photos provided | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA