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Urban Trees 6 Artworks Coming Down to Make Way for New Plantings

Friday, 10 September 2010
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

How would a ten-foot-tall giant popcorn box filled with rubber baby chickens look in your front yard? Maybe your business would attract more customers with an ethereal artwork of two mermaids.

Now's your chance to own a part of a public art exhibit that has piqued the interest of both tourists and locals.

Urban Trees 6, an exhibit of 30 sculptures that line San Diego's North Embarcadero in planter boxes - from Broadway to Laurel Street- is coming to a close. The artworks range from sleek and elegant to downright quirky.

Many of the sculptures from Urban Trees 6 are available for purchase from the artists. Prices range from $9,500 to $40,000. They are also available on an on-loan basis for display in public, corporate or private collections or settings. For more information, contact the Port's Public Art Department at (619) 686-7246.

Chemistry buffs will appreciate "Chemis Tree", by artist Catherine Carlton, which pays homage to the discovery of the structure of DNA. The colorful aluminum sculpture of a giant double helix rotates with the wind and will make a great conversation piece. For those who prefer modern and abstract, there's "Synthesis", by Todd Williams. This brushed stainless steel sculpture combines elements of architecture and industry.

Since the Urban Trees began in 2003, 25 artworks have been purchased by private collectors. Six have been purchased by businesses and organizations. "Family Tree by the Sea" by Urban Trees 4 artist Carolyn Guerra, adorns the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas. "Pleasant Tree" by Urban Trees 1 artist Jorge Blanco, was purchased by the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation. Others are at private companies throughout Southern California.

De-installation of Urban Trees 6 will begin on Monday, September 13 and will continue until the end of September. On October 4, the Port of San Diego will begin installing the 30 new artworks of the Urban Trees 7 exhibit. A dedication ceremony for the new artworks will be held October 28.