Art Expert to Speak in Public Art Series

Margaret Crawford, an arts scholar and lecturer, will lead a discussion about the public’s perceptions of public art and the controversy surrounding it during a forum at Ventura City Hall next week.

Crawford is chairwoman of the history and theater department at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and a lecturer at USC’s Public Arts Studies Program.

She will speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the community meeting room at City Hall, 501 Poli St. Artists are encouraged to come, and the public is welcome.

The talk is the second in a series of four free lectures on topics relating to public art. The series is designed to assist artists in learning how to obtain public art commissions and what happens after receiving a commission.

The series also examines legal and social issues relating to public art. Speakers include urban planners, attorneys, artists and administrators who have experience in public art programs.

The workshops will culminate in a competition open to participants in the series. The winning project will be considered for commission by the city.

The final two lectures are to be Feb. 27 and March 10. Artists who wish to compete must preregister by calling 658-4760 before Wednesday.