Last month the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History hosted "Art for Art's Sake" on the evening of November 3rd. Local wineries poured and restaurants served samples of their delectable goodies, while the wonderful works of local artists were auctioned to raise money for the repair of the Native American sculpture located at the entrance of the museum. All who participated had generously donated their time and talents.
I haven't heard a final attendance number, but the museum was abuzz with a packed house throughout the evening. Many of the artists were also in attendance. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time - in fact, many were hoping the museum would be doing this again next year, stating enthusiastically that they would definitely plan to attend. This was a fun evening!
The museum needed to raise $7,000 for the restoration of the sculpture (see below). The final tally, after expenses, was $12,000! That amount doesn't include the donation of "Peace Bronze" by local jewelry company, From War to Peace, for the restoration. (Thanks, Paul!)
Thank you to all who attended and to those who purchased art pieces. You did a wonderful thing for the museum. It is such a special place and deserves to be well cared for.
And a big thank you to all who worked to make Art for Art's Sake such a great success. Mary Golden, Director of CCNHA - the person in charge, did a terrific job, as did the museum staff in readying the exhibit and museum for the event. What a great group!
See you next year!
Two years ago vandals damaged the sculpture, forcefully removing the Peregrine Falcon. The sculpture, titled "Seasons Come / Seasons Go," is described as "a tribute to life in the estuary." It was created by Mark Greenaway and mounted at the museum in the fall of 2002. Diane Blakeslee donated the piece, which originally cost $25,000. In September of 2009, Mary Golden, Executive Director of CCNHA, announced the sculpture had been vandalized and the falcon stolen. Greenaway said that it would have taken considerable force to remove the bird, as it was welded securely in place. He speculated that someone had tied the falcon to a car to snap it off.
The cost of replacement of the Peregrine Falcon is $7,000, which would cover materials, foundry, a new mold, and increased security measures.
