Inspiration Point is out; now where?

In regards to the current controversy over Corona del Mar’s

commemorative artwork, it appears that the Centennial Committee has

never truly defined its focus and would be wiser to return to square

one with a bit more artistic sophistication and professional

leadership in the matter.

For example, Saturday’s front page article, “Residents not

inspired by dolphin,” statue referred to a dolphin “statue” by Wyland

-- also to serve as the city time capsule -- which planners have now

decided will not be installed at Inspiration Point.

This is great news, to say the least. Yet earlier debates

discussed this proposed honorarium as a “sculptural artwork” that

would serve as a metaphorical nod to the sense of place that is

Corona del Mar -- a coastal jewel that offers incredible beauty,

inspirational views, and an increasingly hip dose of the fine art of

living.

So, which is it? Statue, time capsule or sculpture ? It seems that

the entire process has become a bit muddled in its mission and could

probably use some serious regrouping and guidance.

First of all, for clarification, a statue or monument is usually

less about art, per se, and more about commemorating a specific

historical event -- a sort of Washington-crosses-the Delaware moment,

if you will. As far as dolphins go, last time I looked, Corona del

Mar already has a delightful share of lovely ones dancing playfully

at Coast Highway and Marguerite in celebration of their signature

ocean frivolity, a wonderful ongoing event along our coastline.

A time capsule, it seems, is a completely separate issue that

needs considerable care and feeding, and perhaps a different type of

encasement than a dolphin to avoid any cornball tendencies in the

finished product.

A “sculpture,” on the other hand, offers recognition of a more

aesthetic kind -- a work of art that, if chosen well with the

guidance of professionals in the field, becomes a source of

contemplation that takes the viewer beyond themselves. Moreover, a

great public artwork in the right location instills viewers with a

happy-to-be-alive sense of joy; not only for the journey that led to

that moment in time, but also with a transcendent hope for the

future, both on a personal level and in a spiritual, big-picture sort

of way. What a natural this would be for Corona del Mar’s centennial

occasion.

What’s amazing to me is why the Centennial Committee hasn’t used

the services of two reputable Corona del Mar art businesses and the

professionals that run them -- Jeannie Denholm and Diane Nelson at

Southern California Art Projects and Exhibitions; and Miriam Smith of

Art Resource Group. (Both are located on Coast Highway.) These women

could help untangle the web of confusion that’s been created with

this project over the last several months. Not only do they have a

philanthropic spirit for helping Corona del Mar achieve its personal

best, but they also have 75 years of collective expertise in both the

regional and national art arena to negotiate a truly blue-chip public

artwork by a renowned artist that would reflect the fine style and

sophistication that is today’s Corona del Mar.

Corona del Mar’s business district is becoming more and more like

Santa Monica’s acclaimed Montana Avenue -- sassy and charming but

also subtle in its overall ambience and distinction. In my opinion,

artists such as Wyland offer a contrived and over-commercialized

version of manufactured beauty and the non-uniqueness that

characterizes so much of contemporary life -- the very antithesis of

Corona del Mar’s amazing landscape and everything it has achieved as

a sterling township.

Plus, we’ve done the dolphin thing, and well at that. Wouldn’t it

be fun and exciting this time to set our sights a little higher, to

mirror the grandeur of the “crown of the sea” with an impassioned

artwork by a visionary artist, and to remind us what its like to

soar, perchance, to dream?

LAURI MENDENHALL

Newport Beach

After reading the question in Saturday’s paper as to where to put

the dolphin statue, I immediately thought that the best place to put

the statue celebrating Corona del Mar’s centennial should be placed

where all the topiary dolphins have been for years: On Coast Highway

at Marguerite Avenue. It would then be in good company.

TERRI SHEA

Newport Beach

We have a little sign in the middle of the highway that says,

“Welcome to Corona del Mar.” I think that would be a great place to

put your dolphin.

RANDY LUEBKE

Corona del Mar

Our suggestion for the placement of the Corona del Mar monument

would be at Marguerite Avenue and Coast Highway, where the dolphins

are. Everybody would notice it. And we think that’s a good place for

it.

DICK AND

ANNA BETTY GOLDMAN

Corona del Mar