Thousand Oaks : City Renews Search for Center Sculpture

Thousand Oaks officials are trying again to find a sculpture for the Teen and Senior centers.

“Spiral Paths,” a sculpture selected by the Arts Commission last year, was turned down by the City Council because it was too abstract and “not what citizens had in mind,” said Carol Williams, management analyst for the city.

A new 12-member committee appointed by the council will commission artists from 11 Western states to submit models for a sculpture to be placed between the Teen and Senior centers on Janss Road.

“Spiral Paths” was rejected after complaints from the public.

“We have a very conservative community, and people are very active in taking a personal interest in what happens here,” Williams said.

She said the artwork must have broad appeal.

The new selection committee includes art commissioners, council members and representatives from city organizations and agencies.

George Lange, a committee member and director of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, said the sculpture should depict the heritage of the community combined with the compatibility of youth and age.

He said he would like to see the artwork serve as a buffer between the two centers.

A background of historical information about Thousand Oaks will be provided to prospective artists.

Up to eight semifinalists each will be awarded $250 to produce models to be displayed for public comment.

The committee will rank five models for recommendation to the city Arts Commission.

The commission will hold a public hearing and select three finalists for recommendation to the City Council, which will make the final selection by mid-1991, Williams said.