Sculptors Invited to Submit Proposals

Local and regional artists may submit design ideas for a sculpture to be erected in the city’s Little Saigon area, Mayor Frank Fry Jr. said.

The goal of the project is to recognize the bonds that developed between American and Vietnamese soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War, Fry said. The preferred theme is a handshake between an American soldier and Vietnamese soldier.

“It’s a project I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” said Fry, who was sworn in last week as mayor. “Maybe this can help heal some of the rifts that developed during the war. This country was split, and even today there are rifts in the Vietnamese community.”

The sculpture, Fry said, would be outdoors in a highly visible spot in Little Saigon.

The project could be stone, bronze, marble or any medium that can withstand weather, he said. Proposals for the design must include sketches showing how the sculpture would look from all four sides, with dimensions.

No cost estimates are required in the proposal, Fry said. Once a design is selected, officials will begin a fund-raising campaign to pay for the sculpture, he said.

“There’s a lot of GIs out there, and if everybody just gave a dollar we’d have all the money we need,” Fry said.

A committee of business leaders, retired and active military personnel, city officials and others will select a design from the entries.

The deadline for submission is Jan. 31. Entries may be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to Mayor Frank Fry Jr., Westminster City Hall, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683.

Information: (714) 898-3311, ext. 271.