Where will the dolphins migrate now?

Lauri Mendenhall

It is indeed wonderful news that the Corona del Mar Centennial

Committee has scrapped plans for the Wyland dolphin sculpture, time

capsule or whatever. From the beginning, this was a project that

represented the intentions of a relatively small group of people who

ignored established city procedures -- the guidance of the Newport

Beach Arts Commission for starters -- as well as input from several

art experts with related businesses in Corona del Mar.

What’s needed now are suggestions from the community as to where

to go from here. And I have two:

First, since one of the most photographed spots in Corona del Mar

is the flowery Goldenrod footbridge, why not install the planned time

capsule in the lovely park along Bayside Drive that runs underneath

the bridge?

Second, my guess is that a first-class piece of public art would

still be a welcome aspect to residents throughout the Newport area.

One of the nation’s most prominent contemporary artists --

represented in museum collections internationally -- is Tony DeLap,

who has lived in Corona del Mar for several decades. Within this

region alone, his sculptural work can be seen on the Chapman

University campus, at Cal State Fullerton and the Orange County

Museum of Art.

Who knows? Perhaps it would behoove the centennial committee to

approach DeLap to see what he might be willing to do for his hometown

in honor of this milestone occasion. Chances are it would be a

sculpture, though, not a statue. Just a thought.

* LAURI MENDENHALL is a Newport Beach resident.