Curtain Stirs Raves, Barbs

* I am writing about the April 25 article on the future of the Civic Arts Plaza’s copper curtain sculpture. As the designer of the Civic Arts Plaza logo, I was dismayed to see the logo rotated and distorted in the photo which superimposes it on the copper screen. Because I thought I understood the city’s position was to keep the logo intact and unaltered, I was relieved to find out that this design alternative was the work of The Times staff and not one of the options actually being considered.

Although I am very flattered the center is actually considering adding the muse to this building, I am not convinced that the curtain is the right place for it. Your article claimed that the reporter was unable to find anyone in Thousand Oaks who actually likes the curtain, but nobody asked me.

Antoine Predock is right: The curtain is beautiful in its simplicity, it is about texture and landscape and it will become rich with color over time. The curtain would probably be more attractive still if it fluttered in the breeze and continued up to the top of the wall as it was originally conceived.

It is possible that what the freeway side of the building needs to calm the frazzled nerves of those crying out “What is it?” is a bit of signage. Something that says Civic Arts Plaza would explain a lot. I noticed on the west freeway side of the building there is a building mass just perfectly proportioned to accommodate the muse logo and some lettering. Maybe a brushed stainless steel panel with the image of the muse back lit at night. Check with the architect on that and I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

CYNTHIA GRANT

Thousand Oaks

* In regard to the article, “Wearing Thin,” (April 25) it is important to remember who Antoine Predock, the building’s architect, is when he gushes that, “The Civic Arts Plaza conveys the authority of an Acropolis . . . “

Poppycock. The emperor is plain naked, I say. The exuberant muse or an oak tree would provide much needed vesture.

DONNA JAMERSON

Thousand Oaks

* I think the curtain on the side of the Civic Arts Plaza looks like the back of a refrigerator. I can’t imagine spending $150,000 for it.

I think the city of Thousand Oaks should use something simple, like a copper outline of an oak tree.

NANCY TURRILL

Westlake Village

* It is extremely agitating to read that the Thousand Oaks City Council is contemplating spending still more tax money to enhance the earlier $150,000 “enhancement” of that monstrous monolith euphemized as the Arts Plaza.

Face it, as many of us warned back in the planning stage, that civic complex is inherently ugly. Nothing the Council can do, however much more tax money is poured into it, can change that.

So the curtain is dull. That’s good; it’s less conspicuous that way. Let’s not draw attention to it.

For once, I agree with Cubist Antoine Predock: Leave it alone. And save the tax dollars for something worthwhile.

BOB BOND

Westlake Village

* I have just hung up the phone after speaking to my son, the architect, who lives and works in Indianapolis. Although he personally admires Antoine Predock’s work and thinks it should remain a “pure abstraction,” he offers one solution to our “shimmering curtain” problem.

In the olden days, to oxidize copper, the workmen would drink lots of beer, relieve themselves in a bucket, add some vinegar and some other ingredient (perhaps a witch’s hair), and pour that mixture over the copper domes of the monuments of the world.

My clever son suggests that the people of Thousand Oaks have a great party with lots of beer, and apply that mixture to the curtain. In that way, the community would participate fully in our new landmark and greatly strengthen community spirit.

Everyone could rightfully say “that curtain belongs to us all--it’s both ‘mine and urine.’ ”

NANCY ISRAEL

Thousand Oaks