ITEM 11-A

Council meeting: May 26, 1992

TO:      Mayor and City Council

FROM:    City Staff

SUBJECT: Recommendation to Approve the  Installation  of  an  Art
         Piece Under the Pier

Introduction

On March 17, 1992, Council considered recommendations to  install
an  art  piece  consisting  of boats to be mounted underneath the
Pier called "Twilight and Yearning" by Manfred  Mueller.   During
the  Council  discussion, there were a number of questions raised
regarding the location of the boats; if they would be damaged  by
wave action; potential safety issues of people viewing the piece;
and the message the piece conveys.

Background

General Services as well as Cultural  and  Recreation  staff  met
with  the  artist  and the Arts Commission Chair Bruria Finkel at
the site in order to answer Council's concerns.  The  outcome  of
the  meeting  was  that  the artist agreed to move the boats to a
location near the south edge of the Pier at a point approximately
100  feet  inland  from  the tide line.  In addition,  the artist
agreed to hang the boats with secure  galvanized  metal  hangers,
upside  down,  horizontally,  and  close  to the underside of the
Pier.  Lighting will be provided by the artist to illuminate  the
artwork and the surrounding area.

It has been determined by City staff that  this  art  project  is
unlikely to be damaged by wave action because the artwork will be
mounted inland from and higher than any wave action.  The  change
in location and the lighting will allow the piece to be much more
visible to the beach-going public.  In addition, this  method  of
securing the artwork to the Pier prevents anyone from climbing in
or on the artwork.  Installation will be reviewed  and  monitored
by the City Engineering Division.

Regarding the symbolism of the piece, the artist stated  that  he
is concerned with the cleanliness of the oceans of the world, not
only Santa Monica Bay. The intent of the  art  project   will  be
further  clarified  in all publicity and signage for the project.
All signage will be developed by the artist but will  be  subject
to City approval prior to the installation of the artwork.

The Pier Restoration Corporation Board has reviewed and  approved
the proposal as revised, subject to monitoring of the work by the
Engineering Division.

Financial/Budget Impact

As this is a donation proposed by the artist, Mr. Mueller will be
responsible for obtaining the majority of the funds.  On November
18, 1991, the Arts Commission voted to allot $5,000  towards  the
installation   of   the   project  from  Percent  for  Art  funds
(01-740-560-20092-8900-99081).  The German Government has pledged
funds  for  the  realization  of this art project contingent upon
approval by the City.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the City Council approve the  installation
of  the  art  piece,  Twilight and Yearning, as described in this
report.

Prepared by:  Stan Scholl, Director of General Services
              Barbara Moran, Director of Cultural/Rec. Services
              Tony Antich, City Engineer
              Maria de Herrera, Cultural Arts Administrator