Sneak peek at arts center’s new sculpture

The sculpture is a towering, five-sided piece made of massive steel plates.

Internationally acclaimed sculptor Richard Serra, a California native, joined benefactors Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom and a host of local dignitaries, donors and docents for a first look at his work, which is being installed as the centerpiece at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The sculpture is called “The Connector” because it links the elements of the center. The piece is 60 feet high, with a diameter of 20 feet at the bottom and 4 feet at the top. The base is open, allowing visitors to walk through it.

Serra commented, “I am a master of creating useless space.”

His useless space is a major gift of contemporary art. At a reported cost of $10 million, including installation and construction of the plaza on which it stands, the sculpture is one of only a small number of Serra’s works on the West Coast. The Segerstroms commissioned the piece.

Regarded by many in the world of art as the greatest living sculptor, Serra has his pieces in some of the most prestigious collections in the world.

“This is the real deal,” said Lido Isle resident and art aficionado Jennifer Van Bergh. “I am so impressed, so amazed to have this work by Serra here in Orange County. This is a very important cultural step up for all of us who live here. We can be very proud indeed.”

Van Bergh’s sentiments were echoed throughout the gathering, which began with a late afternoon peek at the installation in progress, then moved to a reception at the Center Club across the street. Some 200 guests were invited to the viewing and to meet the artist.

The elegant and lively cocktail reception was hosted by Pelican Point’s Sally and Randy Crockett and Newport’s Dee and Larry Higby, with underwriting assistance from Cartier, which was represented by Caroline Jones.

Opening remarks came from former ambassador to Spain George Argyros and his wife Julia, who is known as the “Ambassadorable.”

One woman in the crowd whispered, “It’s so nice to have George and Julia back home, we’ve missed them.”

The colorful pair bantered back and forth at the microphone until George turned to Julia and said, “Thank you, Gracie.”

The local crowd went wild.

Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom shared some of the history of their relationship with Serra. Elizabeth will chair the September gala opening of the new center expansion. The Serra centerpiece will be seen by the world as representative of the vision and vitality of Orange County and the dedication of its leaders.

Elizabeth Segerstrom, looking very sophisticated in a simple black cocktail dress scooped at the neck and falling just below the knee, made brief remarks. Her husband followed with a speech.

Richard Serra delivered a short thank you and expressed a hint of his personal mission. He was joined by his wife, Clara, at the reception.

Spotted in the crowd were O.C. leaders Wylie and Bette Aitkin, Bill and Barbara Roberts, Charles and Twyla Martin, Gail Kirwan and Wayne Baruch of the Baruch/Gayton Entertainment Group in L.A., which will work with Elizabeth Segerstrom to produce the upcoming gala.