Mailbag: Funding public art reflects Newport Beach’s values

The Newport Beach City Council will soon be discussing whether the city should continue to fund public art or if this should be left to private donors.

Individuals and corporations have a role in funding public art. However, my experience in seeking donations for sculpture is that when there is nothing for the donor to see, it is hard for them to commit.

I believe that what a city decides to fund shows what it values. Just as our city funds the library, its parks, recreational facilities, beaches and harbor, it should fund the arts and culture as another way of enriching the lives of residents.

The advantage of having sculpture on loan is that the public can enjoy it, and donors can decide if they would like to contribute to building a permanent collection. In fact, one of the 10 sculptures in the Civic Center Park, “Sphere 112,” if accepted by the Arts Commission and City Council will be left there permanently as a gift from the Newport Beach Arts Foundation.

On opening day of the exhibition, “Sphere 112” was voted the best liked by the hundreds of people in attendance. And in the future, it is possible that one or two additional pieces might be purchased to donate to the city. I am working on this with the support of the foundation.

I believe the city should continue to take a leadership position in providing sculpture in the park that enhances and enlivens what is an important civic space and city asset. Currently, there is a call for artists to submit sculpture entries for the next phase. These will be in place for unveiling on Sept. 12, assuming the funding remains in the budget.

While not every sculpture will be equally enjoyed, the benefits of having a collection will be evident as it grows.

Robert B. Smith

Newport Beach

The writer is a Newport Beach arts commissioner.

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Art is a ‘part of who we are’

I have lived in Newport Beach for more than 50 years and am pleased with the way the city repairs our roads and sidewalks.

I am particularly happy with our civic support for art and cultural events. I proudly take visitors to the park near City Hall. We all enjoy the sculptures, though we may not agree on which we like best. I fervently hope the city will not reduce funding for art in public places. It’s part of who we are.

Alice Remer

Corona del Mar

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Fast-food article nothing more than an ad

Re. “Taco Bell is launching crispy chicken biscuit tacos and quesadillas Thursday,” (March 24):

Why are you printing articles about the offerings of Taco Bell? Has Taco Bell bought the Daily Pilot? I searched for the word “advertisement” above the article, and it was not to be found.

Why aren’t we hearing about Del Taco or, better yet, Paul’s Famous Burgers? I am at a loss to understand and a bit irritated. This is suppose to be a newspaper, and businesses pay for that kind of advertising.

Sandra Kaszynski

Costa Mesa