COVER STORY
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Lifelike bronze sculptures interact w BY EMILY WEST
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rtist Seward Johnson is said to have created his bronze sculptures to be approachable. His work, featured in a temporary outdoor exhibit throughout downtown, features everything from a woman with groceries to a brother and sister sharing an ice cream cone. His man-on-the-street style is causing a stir around town, as the pieces are so true to form that you may bump into one, say excuse me and continue down Main Street. Since first installing the pieces last week, passersby have been interacting with the sculptures. Julie Finegan, art gallery coordinator for the city of Pleasanton, said one woman pulled up in front of Comerica Bank, calling out to the window washer for directions. The only problem? The washer with a startling grin is hundreds of pounds of bronze and will be peering into the bank’s window until he and the others are removed June 30. It’s not surprising that the art would be mistaken, as many details need to be touched to be believed. Johnson has managed to make bronze look like a cable knit sweater and flowing hair. One in front of the Museum On Main is actually painted to look like the two-dimensional “American Gothic” painting by Grant Wood. Finegan said bringing approachable art was one of the objectives for the Civic Arts Commission. The group has had Johnson’s art in mind ever since commission president Howard Seebach saw it while visiting family in Kansas in 2005. Johnson’s collection of art, along with many others, is brought to cities around the world through The Sculpture Foundation. The 11 pieces selected to be shown in Pleasanton are sprinkled down Main Street, from the Page 12ÊUÊApril 9, 2010ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly
Sculpture exhibit location ■ Gay 90s Pizza & Pasta, 288 Main St. ■ Fleet Feet Sports, 310 Main St. ■ Murphy’s Paw, 410 Main St. ■ Meadowlark Dairy, 57 W. Neal St. ■ Comerica Bank, 600 Main St. ■ Museum On Main, 603 Main St. ■ The Wine Steward, 641 Main St.
■ Sincerely Yours Cards and Gifts, 711 Main St. ■ Little Valley Winery, 739 Main St. ■ The Rose Hotel, 807 Main St. ■ Main Street Green Park, 890 Main St.
Veteran’s Memorial Building to the Main Stre Park. Many correlate with their locations, such ner in front of Fleet Feet and the man with a do of Murphy’s Paw. These pieces, Finegan said, are for both the and amateur. “People tend to appreciate the fact they can it is and know exactly what it is,” she said. “T also a lot of us out there that like to see some to the imagination. This is a cool way to start; so to talk about and interact with.” Claudia Hess, civic arts commissioner for four years, said the plan was to get people to r “The reactions I have heard have been ev