Artists getting on the bus

Suzie Harrison

Since the Arts Commission held its first artist designed bench

competition and installation in 1998, eight installations have been

added to the city’ permanent public art collection.

The winners of the ninth competition, held in February, were named

in April. A team of three Laguna Beach artists were chosen, Jorg

Dubin, David Cooke and Jeff Peters for their “Canyon View” design.

Arts Commission chairwoman Jan Sattler said she is looking forward

to the installation, which will begin on Monday. There will be an

official unveiling at 5 p.m. Nov. 4 before First Thursdays Art Walk.

The artists’ design was created to distinctly work in the site

chosen, the city-owned Laguna Transit Bus Depot at 375 Broadway.

“We spent about three weeks working on the design with pages and

pages and pages of drawings and sketches for ideas,” Dubin said.

Slowly the elements came together as they refined their designs.

“Anytime artists do public works like this, the range of materials

depends on the use,” Dubin said. “It really becomes important ... the

durability, longevity and functional, verses visual plays into it.”

Dubin said it’s important that the design is something that really

fits the environment. That’s why the artists chose an earthier and

quieter design to fit the environment of the canyon.

“The team of artists have been terrific to work with,” Sattler

said. “It’s a complex installation and has many pieces.”

Sattler said the design is outstanding, aesthetically pleasing and

will enhance the site.

The design consists of six seating areas and a bus shelter on the

North side. It replaces those existing at the site -- a stainless

steel and mahogany roof are also a part of the design.

“It’s going to be a beautiful piece, the wood and rock benches

look exactly like the rocks in the canyon,” Sattler said.

This is the second artist-designed bench Dubin has been

commissioned to do.

“It’s more than just myself ... I talked to a couple artist

friends of mine, David Cooke and Jeff Peters, both of whom are local

artists,” Dubin said.

Dubin said the project was big enough that it warranted some extra

brain and manpower.

“That’s how we got together on design and submitted the concept

and proposal to the city,” Dubin said.

Dubin said they have a lot of years of experience with different

materials. All of the artists were very involved with the design,

fabrication and finish of the pieces.

“It took a lot of coordination and knowing how to use the

materials and sources,” he said. “It has worked very well so far.

We’re at a critical time right now and so far everything is going

well.”

The artist honorarium is $65,000 and is funded through the

Business Improvement District tax. For more information about artist

designed bench competitions, other art competitions or the city’s

permanent art collection call (949) 497-0722 or go online to

https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/

arts/public/competitions/.