PUBLIC ART OR PROTEST? In other action, the Bayside board considered endorsing a public art project — “A Red Line Connects Us” — which is intended to draw attention to the human cost of war.
Local artist Abby Sher, owner of Edgemar, which houses the Santa Monica Museum of Art, wants to lay down a red strip of water-based paint, one inch wide or less, in the middle of sidewalks in downtown to honor those who have lost their lives in war. Sher said she will paint the line while walking at a pace equal to that which a drop of blood drips from an IV. Sher said she will paint every day, except Sundays, for one hour a day, starting on the southern end of Main Street and finish on the Promenade during Memorial Day weekend.
“This will symbolize how we are still at a primitive level when it comes to the way we solve conflict, whether it be between nations, religions or on our city streets,” said Sher, who won the endorsement of the city’s Art Commission. “I feel this is something I need to do.”
Sher said the project is non-partisan and is not meant to be a commentary on the war in Iraq.
Many board members seemed in favor of the idea as long as it remained non-partisan, but the body did not endorse it. During the meeting, it was unclear if Sher would need a city permit for her art project since she will be using a water-based paint that can be removed as easily as a chalk drawing by kids playing hop-scotch.
Bayside’s board is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 22, where they are expected to debate the future look of the Promenade and adjacent Santa Monica Place mall in light of recent improvements to the competing Westfield Shopping Town in Century City. The location of that meeting is still being discussed.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 28, 2006. Read the original PDF.