The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History is planning "Art for Art's Sake," an auction event at the museum set for the evening of November 3rd. Donated works of local artists will be raffled and auctioned to raise money for the repair of the Native American sculpture located at the entrance of the museum. 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 the museum, 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.
As artists, we are going to come together and restore "Seasons Come / Seasons Go." The museum will host the "Art for Art's" event. A lovely evening is being planned and attendees can come away with a new piece for their own collection. Mark your calendar and check back here next month for news of the event.
Artists, if you are interested in participating, submit a photograph of your proposed donation to Mary Golden. She can be contacted at the museum (805) 772-2694 or via email.
