Council gives go ahead for bronze sculpture artist

The Newport Beach City Council recently approved $30,000 for artist Hank Kaminsky to continue work on a bronze sculpture for McFadden Square at the base of Newport Pier.

Kaminsky’s design consists of a 5-foot tall bronze sphere covered in images of Newport Beach and surrounded by granite benches and a walking path. The council approved a $412,000 contract in November for the project.

Kaminsky has worked in bronze for more than 30 years and is best known for his World Peace Prayer Fountain sculpture in Fayetteville, Ark. The McFadden Square Legacy Project was conceived in 2006 to commemorate the city’s centennial anniversary. Businesses may donate to secure their names etched or stamped on benches, the walkway or surrounding the monument area depending upon degree of funding donated. For more information, call the Newport Beach Cultural Arts Office at (949) 717-3870.

— Brianna Bailey