New Urban Trees Exhibit Premieres

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

There’s a new “crop” of Urban Trees along the North Embarcadero of San Diego Bay. The Urban Trees 6 “plantings” include sculptures of an American eagle to thank our nation's troops, man’s best friend to remind people that dogs bring joy, and a giant popcorn box filled with chickens to bring smiles to passersby.

The 30 trees from 30 artists range from serious to lighthearted, whimsical to abstract. What many have in common is that they are kinetic, attracting attention as they move with the wind.

“The North Embarcadero is about the wind and the light,” said Cathy Coverley, an artist who primarily works with glass. “I wanted to make use of that.”

The tree she designed, "Wind & Shadow," is wind-activated. The blue and yellow canopy, bearing multi-colored glass disks, rotates with the direction of the breeze and casts colorful patterns and ever-changing shadows on the pavement below. Shimmering in the light, the glass disks portray different phases of the moon and are keyed to the changing tides.

Near the Maritime Museum of San Diego, Cathy Ann Jane’s ‘Thank You’ features a dog-tag clad eagle that pays tribute to the service and sacrifices of the men and women in the U.S. military. It represents those serving now, as well as generations past.

“I’m receiving hugs today from many appreciative moms,” said Janes at the September 12 grand opening of the exhibit that brought hundreds of art fans to the waterfront.

“It’s lovely that the artists are here today,” said Deralyn Kaheny of San Diego. “It’s interesting to talk to the artists and discuss the ideas behind the creations.”

She came with multiple generations of her family for the opening day of the Port’s sixth Urban Trees exhibit.

Her granddaughter was busy peering through the lenses of ‘OKTOscope,’ a telescopic kaleidoscope created by artist Stove Riggs that was designed to show the “current reality of the universe based on a Hawaiian myth of origin.”

At the opening ceremony, Port Commissioner Michael Bixler, who is chairman of the Port’s Public Art Committee, and Port Commissioner Scott Peters, who represents San Diego, thanked the artists for enlivening the waterfront and drawing residents and visitors to the North Embarcadero.

Near the Cruise Ship Terminal, a ten-foot-tall red and white striped popcorn box filled with yellow chickens asks that spectators ponder ‘Popcorn Chicken.’

“I wanted to do a piece which appeals to children as well as adults,” said Bonn Liang, a visual/performing arts major at San Diego City College. “Who knows? Maybe some kids that see this will become future Urban Tree artists.”

He handed out bags of popcorn to all visitors that stopped at his tree. “I want people to look at this and say ‘Oh my, that is so funny.’

Neal and Tiffany Bociek’s "SIC’Emore (doggie tree)" kinetic sculpture featuring images of dog breeds also brings a fun spirit to the waterfront. The dogs swivel in the wind, and the yellow toy poodle image that tops the tree functions as a weather vane.

“We wanted to remind people that dogs bring laughter and joy,” the couple said. Their toy poodle Riley, the inspiration for this tree, was also in attendance.

The trees will remain “planted” for one year in large concrete planters. The Port began a series of Urban Trees exhibits in 2003.

“Being a part of previous Urban Trees exhibits has helped my art career phenomenally,” said sculptor Amos Robinson, who was participating for the fifth time. His sculpture for Urban Trees 6, ‘SWEET MUSIC,’ shows a musician serenading his graceful partner who responds with joyous dance.

“Where can you get a better location than this?” he said while at his tree. “This is as good as it gets.”

Robinson has had a boost in business since participating in Urban Trees exhibits. He’s received phone calls and e-mails from throughout the United States and Japan from visitors who have viewed his work along San Diego Bay.

Artists may sell their trees at the end of the exhibit.

The Port of San Diego has purchased several trees from each exhibit for its permanent public art collection. The trees are being relocated to parks and public spaces around San Diego Bay.

An anonymous benefactor purchased 10 Urban Trees from previous exhibits and donated them to the sculpture gardens at Scripps Memorial Hospitals in La Jolla and Encinitas.

Other Urban Trees have found homes at the Chula Vista Library Civic Center Branch and the Chula Vista Nature Center.

Last year, artist Jennifer Cannon donated her Urban Tree, "One With the Wave," to the City of Imperial Beach. It is located on Palm Avenue near the beginning of the Silver Strand Highway.

It’s anticipated that millions of people will view Urban Trees 6 during the ’09-’10 season. They will include international travelers who arrive or depart from the Cruise Ship Terminal.

“There’s something here for everyone,” said Kaheny. “I bring all my visitors to the waterfront throughout the year to view the latest round of Urban Trees.”

For information on purchasing an Urban Tree, call the Port's Public Art Department at 619-686-7246.

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