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Ocean Song by Alber de Matteis

Friday, 13 June 2008

Artist: Alber de Matteis
Type: Steel Sculpture
Location: Shelter Island Drive (near traffic circle) San Diego, CA

A Port Tenant Project by: Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites

Ocean ripples, sand patterns, light and shadow are depicted in the newly-installed "Ocean Song" sculpture that now greets visitors to the entrance of Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites on Shelter Island. The 15-foot steel sculpture was funded by Bartell Hotels, owner of Humphrey's, as the public art component of a $3.5 million renovation project.

"Ocean Song" is by Fallbrook artist Alber de Matteis, who describes the sculpture as "inspired by the interconnection of the moon, sun and the ocean and where all these forces come into play within the shelter of the bay."

This is the first public artwork completed by a Port tenant under the 2002 revision of the Port's public art policy (BPC No. 609), which calls for developers to devote 1 percent of development or redevelopment project budgets (above $1 million and $500,000 respectively) for public art elements in the project. The intention of the policy is to enhance the properties, make the tidelands more aesthetically interesting and promote partnerships with the tenants to integrate art into the community.

Aside from assisting with a project's development goals, tenants may find that public art is good for business as well, as it attracts interest and visitors to their properties.

"Ocean Song went beyond our expectations," said Richard Bartell, general manager of Bartell Hotels. "The shape and form of the piece is attracting much positive attention. It represents the quintessential Shelter Island experience."

Humphrey's patrons can even enjoy a new cocktail named "Ocean Song," which was inspired by the artwork.