Kinetic Sculpture in Dolores Park

 Posted by on January 10, 2013
Jan 102013
 

Mission Dolores Park
The Mission District

Mission Dolores underwent a $17+ million, much-needed and beautiful transformation in 2011 and 2012.  Part of the renovation was this kinetic sculpture.

Kinetic Sculpture in Mission Dolores Park

The sculpture, by Lymon Whitaker is 23 feet tall.

Lyman has been a practicing sculptor for over 40 years, with a unique knowledge of materials and their application. The past 19 years have primarily been focused on creating Wind Sculptures, which are all produced by hand. The Wind Sculptures are innovative and artistic with a high degree of mechanical integrity.

Lyman feels that by placing the sculptures in settings dependent on natural elements for movement, opportunities are provided for participants to think about their surroundings. He has said that his sculptures are organic and natural like vegetation and are enjoyed best in interactive settings where they are viewed over time.

Kinetic Sculpture in Mission Dolores Park

 

Lyman received a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis on sculpture from the University of Utah in 1978.  He still resides in Utah, often retreating to his off-grid yurt for inspiration.

Miguel Hidalgo in Mission Dolores Park

 Posted by on July 19, 2012
Jul 192012
 
 Mission Dolores Park
The Mission
Miguel Hidalgo – Liberator of Mexico 1810

On the back in the marble is carved:

Monument Presented by
The Mexican Colony
To the City of San Francisco
September 16th, 1962

Below it is a brass plaque that reads

Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla
Father of Mexican Independence
1753-1811
The liberation of Mexico after 300 years of domination by Spain started on September 16, 1810
in the town of Dolores in what is now the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla a priest and other patriots, among whom were Juan Aldama and Ignacio Allende, were at first successful but eventually Miguel Hidalgo was captured and executed. The war continued until its final victory in 1821 under the leadership of Vicente Guerrero and Agustin de Itrubide.
This monument by Juan F. Olaguibel was cast in bronze in Mexico and presented to the City of San Francisco by the Mexican Community September 16, 1963.
Father Hidalgo, who gave his El Grito battle cry in the city of Dolores, Mexico, was executed by Spanish troops before Mexico gained independence. The anniversary is celebrated in Mexico with decorations, and Mexico’s president rings the bell of independence.
“He’s the equivalent of your Abraham Lincoln,” said Mexican Consul General Alfonso de Maria y Campos, who attended the ceremony along with San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who has helped efforts to refurbish the park.
The 43-year-old bronze statue of Hidalgo and the rest of the 13.5-acre park underwent a yearlong restoration to remove garbage and years of graffiti, with $30,000 from the city and $5,000 in donations raised by the Mexican Consulate. Trees were planted, flower beds restored and the statue scrubbed free of paint and pigeon droppings.
Juan Olaguibel 1896-1976 is responsible for one of my favorite public sculptures in Mexico City The Northern Star Shooter also called Diana the Huntress.
Mission Dolores Park is  a 13.7 acre park in the city of San Francisco.  It is undergoing a $13.2 million renovation scheduled to be completed in 2014.

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