On a recent Z107.7 Up Close Show, host Gary Daigneault was joined by Clayton Rardon and Jakub Kusmieruk from the Yucca Valley Parks and Recreation Department. Rardon discussed the Town’s recent reinvigoration of their public art program by a funding initiative. Daigneualt asked about the art work that was installed in front of the library, and what it may be replaced by.
Rardon said:
“That was Infinite Connection by local artist Gubbi Beck. She was selected through a competitive process. She has Open Vault Studios in Old Town, Yucca Valley. She has a very active Instagram account. I recommend anybody that’s interested in her work to check her out, follow her on Instagram. She was great to work with and that was our inaugural sculpture, nearly year long installation from just after The Christmas Tree came down last year.
Submissions for the follow up piece closed in December. It’s up to our appointed and elected officials. But I look for assemblage, a sculpture, a metal sculpture. Whatever they want. We take everything, whether people have submitted things that are fiberglass, wood or steel: that it runs a gamut. It has to be desert friendly… it has to be able to survive the wind and the sun.”
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission selected artwork by Chad La Fever titled “Where is My Mind?”
La Fever is a sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by his background as an archaeologist and his passion for storytelling. Specializing in metal sculptures, Chad’s artistic practice explores the intersection of history, culture and human experience using silicon bronze.
His piece, “Where is My Mind?” features a tall, humanoid figure contemplating what appears to be a bronze brain.
Public Comment is scheduled for review by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission at their meeting on February 12 prior to recommendation to, and further review by, the Town Council.
Find more information on Yucca Valley’s public art program here, and you can leave public comment at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjm9ROzla0knKZuo0VLvwBispIf0Ie3338h5ZXKNqc0hLi7g/viewform
Listen to the full conversation here:
