"Unconditional Surrender" May Become Permanent Fixture on the San Diego Waterfront

Wednesday, 07 March 2012
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 686-6222

"Unconditional Surrender," the 25-foot sculpture of a sailor kissing a nurse during a celebration of the end of World War II, may find a permanent home on San Diego's waterfront.

At its regularly scheduled business meeting on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, the Board of Port Commissioners conditionally agreed to accept a local group's offer to donate a painted bronze version to the Port of San Diego. The bronze version is more durable than the foam-urethane sculpture that has been in Tuna Harbor Park since 2007.

“Unconditional Surrender” Loan is Extended

Friday, 24 February 2012
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 686-6222, (619) 686-7206

The sailor and nurse featured in the “Unconditional Surrender” sculpture will remain locked in embrace on the waterfront for a while longer.

Port of San Diego staff and the Santa Monica-based Sculpture Foundation, which owns the 25-foot popular attraction, have agreed to extend the loan of the sculpture to the Port through mid May.

New Public Art Curatorial Strategy Will Reflect Special Nature of Port Tidelands

Friday, 10 February 2012
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 686-6222, (619) 686-7206

The Port of San Diego is implementing its first comprehensive public art curatorial strategy, which outlines a new innovative approach to public art commissions and exhibitions for the Port District's tidelands.

Envisioned are projects by local, state, national and international artists whose works will underscore the Port District's role as an environmental steward, an economic engine and a provider of community services.

•  Public Art Curatorial Strategy 2012-2016 (1002.49 kB)

Temporary Exhibition of “Unconditional Surrender” Ending Soon

Thursday, 02 February 2012
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222, (619) 686-6281

The 25-foot tall sculpture that commemorates the day that World War II ended and has provided the backdrop for thousands of tourists' photos, will soon be leaving the waterfront.

"Unconditional Surrender," an artwork depicting a World War II sailor kissing a nurse, has graced the park at Tuna Harbor, near the Fish Market Restaurant and the USS Midway, since February 2007. The 6,000-pound artwork, created by sculptor Seward Johnson in 2005, will be taken down during the last week of February, 2012.

Last Chance to See the Urban Trees 7 Exhibition on the North Embarcadero

Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

If you haven't had a chance to see the Port of San Diego's Urban Trees 7 public art exhibition, now is the time to do it.

The seventh and final season of the exhibition series, which has animated the waterfront of North Harbor Drive from Hawthorn Street to the B Street Pier will be on view until October 31.

There are 30 sculptures featured in the one-year exhibition by 30 different artists from throughout the southwest and other parts of the United States. Conceived as a way to activate the North Embarcadero and provide a public art experience for the community, the Urban Trees exhibitions have included the works of both accomplished and emerging artists. The artworks are called trees because each uses a planter box as a base.