SOUNDING OFF: Expert opinion needed in art selection

I was happy to hear that the Arts Commission is finally considering revising the process for selecting art for public places, including considering adding three outside experts to the judging panel alongside the commissioners.

This was suggested by me during my tenure on the Arts Commission from 2000 to 2001 to no avail.

At the end of my term I wrote a summary of my suggestions and recommendations to Sean Poeschl and the entire Arts Commission, with copies to the City Council.

As part of that communication I wrote: “The Arts Commission is charged with the responsibility of selecting and recommending to the city which works should be accepted either for loan, donation, or acquisition.

“I have felt strongly that this decision should be an informed one. Although many commissioners are either artists or have an interest in other areas of the arts (theater, music, dance) I felt that the potential works should be evaluated by a professional advisory panel in order to get both a broader aesthetic opinion and technical information important to consider.

“Even with this input, the commission is still the final say in what recommendations go to the council. I hope this also will come into being.”

In that letter, I also suggested that quality of art was of paramount importance and the city should be open to submissions from all artists, whether local, national or international in origins.

I hope the commission will both broaden the scope of and quality of art placed in Laguna.

A professional panel would greatly help in this endeavor and I hope the commission and council will give serious consideration to making it happen.

IGAL SILBER lives in Laguna Beach.