Giant Painting Poses Problem for Gallery

Visitors often ask where the Very Special Arts California Gallery will put a striking, 13-foot-high painting of sailboats that leans on a nearby wall.

The gallery for disabled artists in MainPlace/Santa Ana mall is asking the same question.

The gallery has less than two weeks--until Jan. 25--to find a home for the giant painting. Gallery officials are conducting a frantic search for any takers.

“Have you ever seen people destroy art? That’s very sad,” said Tustin resident Said N. Abdelsayed, one of three artists who worked on the colorful painting. “That’s like destroying my emotions, my feelings.”

While the art gallery was undergoing renovations, mall officials hit upon the idea of painting a construction barricade to match the art gallery theme, said MainPlace marketing director Judith Bijlani.

After the gallery opened in September, officials used the large painting to cover a vacant storefront across from the gallery. But that vacant storefront is about to undergo construction, leaving the painting homeless.

Gallery officials have been trying to find a home for the artwork, listed at $2,100, since September. But the painting’s height and 12-foot length has made the search difficult.

At this point, the gallery is even prepared to give away the painting--which they think would look good in a lobby.

“I would hate to see it destroyed or recycled,” gallery Executive Director Mickey Shaw said.

Information: (714) 835-8867.