Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Art Works Downtown in San Rafael, CA has installed a new piece of public art in downtown San Rafael to honor 9-11 victims.  The steel sculpture is called "On the Rise: a 9-11 Tribute" by sculptor, Matt Rapalyea.  Rapalyea is very active in the Santa Rosa Public Art community.  Rapalyea writes, "I find deep pleasure in creating and sharing a response with my art."  Rapalyea has been featured in several 2nd Fridays Art Walks at the MFA Art Space at Marin Fencing Academy located at the east end, at 827 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA.  The installation was coordinated by AWD Program Director, Stan Gibbs.  Stan works with the City of San Rafael and the BID to coordinate programs for the betterment of the community.  The AWD Public Art program began with founder, Phyllis Thelen, and was passed on to  Gibbs to carry on the co-ordination of this program that provides art for public discourse and enjoyment.  To learn more about the AWD Public Art program, visit here >  To send a letter of inquiry, become involved with our Public Sculpture program, donate funds, or send a thank you for Public Art efforts, contact us >              If you go... San Rafael's Town Center Plaza 1010 Court Street, off of Fourth Street view map >

A very large work, more than 5 feet in diameter is a ceramic world of mountainous peaks, valleys and nooks filled with live succulents and water that trickles throughout the piece.  Andino-Stevenson has included her new ceramic whistles, which are characters who could certainly live in this earthy, clayscape, but they stand alone as impressive and highly detailed ceramic collectibles.

A must see!  The Library staff shared this week that many have been snapping photos daily with their iPhones and small cameras.  They noted that this is really a unique type of exhibit for the Library and that it should be seen to be enjoyed.  San Rafael photographer, Margot Duane, of Margot Duane Images, had the opportunity to visit the exhibit this week and has provided photos. 

All photos © Margot Duane Images and should not be reproduced or used outside of this document with out permission

Thank you to our Art Car artists for lending some artistic flair to this year's May Madness Classic Car Show and Parade!

Radio Flyer by Bob Castaneda

Rustang Sally by Scottie Collinson

Drala Dragon Wagon by Bruce Bjerke