Newport Beach is seeking the public’s opinion choosing the newest artworks to display at Civic Center Park.
As part of the Invitational Sculpture Exhibition, the city’s Civic Center Park has 20 existing sculptures, 10 of which are replaced every spring. Officials are asking the public to help choose which pieces should be displayed next spring.
“We want the public to weigh in on the best,” Arts Orange County executive director Richard Stein told The Epoch Times.
More than 50 sculptures from around the country were submitted, and voters can endorse up to three favorites among the group.
The poll is not binding, and the judges use it as an advisory, Stein said, adding the committee seeks balance in selecting art.
The Civic Center Park attraction began in 2013, and is now heavily trafficked with dog walkers and art lovers alike.
Arts Orange County, a nonprofit countywide arts council, coordinates the annual project.
“[Newport Beach is] our longest standing client, and this is one of the most important consulting projects we have every year,” Stein said. “It’s a point of pride for us, we really love doing it, and the public really loves it.”
The sculptures are held into the ground with concrete pads, and are available for purchase after the two-year display period has ended. Pieces range from $1,000 to $50,000.
Artists receive an honorarium, ranging from $2,500 to $6,000, Stein said. The honorarium is given so that the artist can transport the piece to the park, and from the park when the two-year period ends.
