Urban Trees (Fall 2003)

The Urban Trees project features thirty original sculptural works of public art, each designed and fabricated by a different artist. The artworks on display stem from a juried artist competition held in June of 2003, which garnered over 100 highly imaginative entries. Artists were required to design artworks around a 12-foot high, 6-inch diameter pole (tree trunk) that would be fitted into a special 48-inch square, 3-foot high concrete planter base. Maximum creativity in design and selection of materials was both encouraged and realized.

• The Trees
• The Artists

Background

The competition 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 Urban Trees are planned as a temporary art exhibit. In exchange for a loan fee (or honorarium), thirty artists agree to loan their trees to the Port for one year, after which the artists may sell or remove them. The Urban Trees are installed at intervals along Harbor Drive from Broadway Pier to Hawthorn Street, and provide needed shade, ornamentation, screening and site activation in the area pending implementation of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan.

Press Room

Attention Accredited Media: Soon you will be able to access FAQs, hi-res images and graphics to help you craft articles about the Port of San Diego Urban Trees sculpture project.

If you'd like more information, please call 619-686-6388.

Announcements

• Dedication Event November 15, 2003

Urban Trees Dedication Event

The Port of San Diego will introduced the Urban Trees in public events along the North Embarcadero on Saturday, November 15. There was a short dedication ceremony on Broadway Pier, followed by the Urban Tree Challenge, a chance for attendees to win prizes for exploring the sculptures and visiting North Embarcadero businesses.