The new skating rink is not the only new ice at Liberty Station. The NTC Foundation recently unveiled its first art commission, just in time for the holiday season. Entitled ICE, the light sculpture is on display in the fountain in front of the Dick Laub NTC Command Center. Created by internationally renowned La Jolla artist Smadar Samson, the installation aligns with the opening of the Fantasy on Ice rink.
“Our Art in Public Places initiative has been on the radar for quite a while,” explained NTC Foundation Executive Director Alan Ziter. “We have had many works on public display over the past 10 years, including pieces by Inocente, Robert Michael Jones, Jeffery Laundeslager and Bernar Venet, but this is the perfect time to officially launch an Art in Public Places program, as we have created a topnotch committee and start-up funding in place.”
Samson was granted $3,800 to fabricate and install the temporary sculpture. “We were impressed with the ingenuity of the piece,” Ziter said, “as well as its relation to issues of global warming and the site chosen. It adds a creative visual arts component to our Fantasy on Ice extravaganza.” The sculpture will remain on display through Jan. 17. Samson will be on hand for a Meet the Artist talk at the Command Center during the next Friday Night Liberty free art walk, on Jan. 8.
The newly formed Art in Public Places committee will be developing a long-term plan and policy for enlivening the 28-acre Arts District with art and providing an opportunity for more San Diego artists to show and sell their work.
“Art in the public places is a natural extension of the work being done by artist in our galleries and museums,” said NTC Foundation Board member and committee chair Vicki Reed. “Great cities have great art in unique public spaces that provides viewing and access that is free and nonexclusive. Our goal will be to add meaning, interest and purpose to our already amazing plazas, arcades and buildings at this historic former Navy base.”
For now, the Art in Public Places committee consists of NTC Foundation board members and community representatives: Reed, Community Volunteer; Victoria Hamilton, Arts and Culture Advocate, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation; Judy McDonald, Community Volunteer; Mary Keough Lyman; Lynda Forsha, Principal, Independent Curator and Principal, Art Advisory Services; and Nathan Cadieux, vice president, McMillin Cos.