Urban Tree "Planted" in New Location on San Diego Bay

Tuesday, 02 February 2010

One of the Port of San Diego's public artworks has a new home along San Diego Bay's Harbor Island.

"Mini the Mermaid" was selected in 2003 as one of 30 sculptures in the Port's first Urban Trees exhibit to line the North Embarcadero.

After being purchased from artist Frank Mando for the Port's permanent public art collection, the 12-foot tall sculpture fashioned of welded steel sheets seemingly floated amidst strands of giant kelp on Broadway and Harbor Drive. But she has now been repositioned to catch the rays of the rising sun in the morning.

"Mini the Mermaid" now faces east, to greet the on-coming traffic on the grass lawn at the west end of Harbor Island, between Tom Ham's Lighthouse restaurant and Harbor Island West Marina (view map).

The Urban Trees project features original sculptural works of public art, each designed and fabricated by a different artist. The competition each year offers artists a unique opportunity to showcase original sculptural works to a broad public audience, in a setting of unparalleled beauty next to San Diego Bay. It also provides the public with an opportunity to closely engage the artists and some outstanding examples of contemporary art.

The Port hopes to stimulate further interest and curiosity about the arts and artists, while informing the public of the opportunities and benefits of a vigorous public art program.

The current exhibit, Urban Trees 6, includes 30 works 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. There are 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 Port's Public Art Program is responsible for the many works of public art that can be seen in Port parks.

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