Redwood City's public art program expanded to the Port waterfront last Thursday when the sculpture piece the "Heron" was dedicated. 
The sculpture, made of stainless steel, is of a large heron taking flight. It is approximately 14-feet in height and was installed on a concrete pedestal at the Port's waterfront public access area near the fishing pier. The Port location was selected because the Port's proximity and views of the waterfront and restored wetlands and wildlife habitat on Bair Island was deemed the most scenic and appropriate site for this display of public art.
The project was organized and funded by the Redwood City Parks & Arts Foundation. This sculpture is a partnership between Port tenant Sims Metal Management, which donated the metal, the Port of Redwood City, ARTS RWC,
TechShop
, and the City of Redwood City's Civic Cultural Commission and Public Art Task Force.
Port Commissioner Lorianna Kastrop said. "
The Port has promoted recreational and waterfront opportunities at the Port through a variety of means. Our just completed PortFest has been a huge success for seven years now. It brings people to the Port's waterfront to take harbor tours, and visit our working port through tours of some of the Port's industrial businesses while enjoying food, music, kids' activities, and arts and crafts.
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| Port Commissioner Lorianna Kastrop presentation |
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"We also promote access to the Bay at the Port's boat launch ramp, fishing pier, Opening Day of the Sailing Season sponsored by the Sequoia Yacht Club, and every year we have one or more visiting vessels for public enjoyment such as the Lady Washington.
"But still the Port lacked what I call an iconic image.
"But that is changing with the dedication of sculpture artist David Han's stainless steel statute of a Great Blue Heron, a bird native to the Redwood City shoreline. We at the Port our proud to be part of Redwood City's public art program, which is displaying public art throughout the City," she concluded.
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Kids from Adelante Spanish Immersion School in RWC help unveil sculpture |
The City of Redwood City recognizes public art as a means for promoting vibrancy, defining cultural uniqueness, supporting economic development, building community, and improving the quality of life for those that live, work and play here. The City Council has recently adopted an ordinance that leads Redwood City towards its goal that "Redwood City is the place on the Peninsula to experience and enjoy visual, performing arts, and cultural events."
The ordinance establishes a new Art in Public Places Fund to support public art in Redwood City. Monies from this fund may be used to procure publicly accessible, original works of art on City property or private property.
Commissioner Kastrop lower left making comments at dedication
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(from left to right) Jill Rodby, public affairs and government relations manager for Sims Metal Management; Beth Mostovoy, founder of ARTS RWC; Christopher Beth, director of Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department; Port of Redwood City Commissioner Lorianna Kastrop; and, artist David Han.
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Sculpture artist David Han, a native of Beijing, China, lives and works in San Jose. He recently won an award in the prestigious 2015 International Fine Arts competition sponsored by Fusion Galleries, which is known for integrating the best of emerging to mid-career artists by showcasing an international collection of original art from an array of artists.
Han creates unique artworks from scrap metal. Every piece of metal is hand shaped and polished. He rarely uses machine made parts. His work is strongly influenced by the shapes and patters found in nature, and also by all things aerodynamic.
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Port Executive Director Mike Giari and Sims Metal Management's Jill Rodby |
