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MyspaceThe once colorful and eye-catching Chromatic Gate sculpture off East Cabrillo Boulevard that has seen dramatic wear and tear over the last decade is finally getting the attention it needs. This week, with the arrival of warmer weather, restoration will begin on the 21-foot-tall, 12.5-ton steel sculpture, which was originally erected in 1991 by the Herbert Bayer Sculpture Committee.
Last repainted in 2000, the sculpture has fallen victim to the “severe environmental and corrosive assaults of life near the ocean” and is in desperate need of extensive rust repair and repainting, according to the County Arts Commission. The repairs — which will include cleaning, sanding, and priming the steel, as well as repainting the structure with a “highly durable aircraft specialty paint” — are expected to be completed in four to six weeks.
“The new paint selected is a Dupont Imron paint, which is used for industrial purposes. … It is a highly durable paint that also passed all of California’s stringent air quality control regulations,” stated Rita Ferri of the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission. The approximate cost of the project — including materials, labor, equipment, etc. — is expected to come in at $56,000.
Fundraising for the project — which was organized in 2012 by the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission in association with the Restore Our Rainbow Committee, the Santa Barbara Arts Fund, and Santa Barbara Beautiful, Inc., among others — also includes $20,000 for the future upkeep of the site through a maintenance agreement with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “At long last, the Santa Barbara community and visitors will soon be able to enjoy the Chromatic Gate in its full colorful glory,” said Mayor Helene Schneider.
Project organizers were impressed to see how “many concerned Santa Barbara citizens rose to the challenge of seeing the Gate return to its original brilliance and this Santa Barbara icon restored to its rightful beauty,” the Arts Commission noted. In addition, organizers hope to address issues regarding the landscaping and lighting in the area surrounding the Gate, not to mention maintaining a regular washing and waxing schedule for the piece, noted Ferri.
Next, Ferri hopes to see fundraising continue for the restoration of sites such as Lookout Park’s bronze Time Compass — which was previously stolen — as well as Rincon Park’s Lightening Gate.
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Comments
“The new paint selected is a Dupont Imron paint which is used for industrial purposes. … It is a highly durable paint that also passed all of California’s stringent air quality control regulations,”
Thank goodness we are repainting the art that looks like a sign for a paint store with paint that is environmentally friendly. At least SB and California are tackling the tough issues...Meanwhile, I'm heading to Home Improvement to get a can of paint, locked up so as to avoid abuse by minors, and huffing the night away. You will recognize me by the gold circle around my lips while prone in the gutter...
italiansurg (anonymous profile)
February 25, 2013 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow I haven't seen gold circles on lip[s since.. last night's Oscar telecast!
Ken_Volok (anonymous profile)
February 25, 2013 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
can we get a fundraiser together to remove that ugly thing?
someguy (anonymous profile)
February 26, 2013 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep, its ours so keep it clean. Props to the Arts Commission, Santa Barbara View, the Mayor and the donors for getting this cleaned up!
montecitotex (anonymous profile)
February 26, 2013 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whether intended as such or not, the sculpture is a de facto symbol of a diverse community. Whether it be false advertising or not, such a symbolic work of Art deserves perhaps a more prominent place.
Ken_Volok (anonymous profile)
February 26, 2013 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)