Santa Monica : Arts Administrator Resigns

Henry Korn, who as Santa Monica’s arts administrator for the last four years was instrumental in bringing topiary dinosaurs to the 3rd Street Promenade and early morning Fourth of July fireworks to the beach, has resigned effective April 6 to take a similar post in Irvine.

Korn, 44, said he is leaving because the new position in Orange County presents a “great opportunity in an exciting environment.”

Under Korn, the city has erected 15 public art pieces financed by development fees, including “The Wave” over Wilshire Boulevard. In the last three years, $250,000 has been raised for public art and art and cultural programs.

In recent years, numerous private art galleries have also opened in Santa Monica, establishing a reputation for the city as an art community.

It was Korn who suggested that the city change its evening Fourth of July fireworks display to a “Dawn’s Early Light” show in 1987 after crime and crowd problems marred the annual event at Santa Monica beach.