Let’s talk about local public art
Tonya Rodzach Public Art Coordinator
Cultural Arts Office
City of Carlsbad
Public art is guaranteed to get people talking. That’s why we love it! And Carlsbad is known for distinctive public art by local and regional artists. The city is keeping in good company with Chicago with its cows, Los Angeles with its angels and Oahu with its geckos as street art. Just like these other cities, our city’s iconic Carlsbad Beach Chairs are a prime example of public art to encounter and to enjoy.
Inspired by the spirit of innovation in the city’s Arts & Culture Master Plan, the beach chairs started with an idea of a creating a truly Carlsbad-centric arts experience. The design and fabrication of the beach chairs were put into motion by local artist Michael Stutz. The chair embodies a nod to Carlsbad beach culture and the stylized and elegant thinking of the artist. From there, the community stakeholders identified various visual artists to add their own artistic flair.
Carlsbad resident Ron Juncal was the first artist to complete artwork on a beach chair, which was unveiled in August 2019. Juncal’s beach chair may be seen on the corner of State Street and Grand Avenue in Carlsbad Village. His vibrant palette of cool and warm tones evokes energy and movement perfect for Carlsbad Village.
Our second beach chair was recently installed at the newly constructed Calavera Hills Community Park, Gateway Project. Artist Christopher Polentz’s titled the beach chair, “The Island of Professor P”. Polentz remarks “I hope the chair draws people into its world. I want people to make up stories about the characters, what they are doing, where they are going or where they’ve been. So, check it out, have fun and make up a story!”.
Two more beach chairs were recently placed at the Batiquitos Lagoon. Artist Betsy Schulz drew on the flora and fauna of the lagoon and surrounding area as her inspiration for her beautifully rendered beach chairs. Batiquitos Lagoon board member, Deb Mossa states “The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation is thrilled to have been selected as a site for the city’s beach chair project. All of our volunteers including board members, docents and hosts are excited about this project. Come visit and enjoy these stunning works of art!”
Visit each Carlsbad Beach Chair, you’ll definitely be drawn in to take a closer look and visit again and again. Carlsbad Beach Chairs are part of our pop-up art series, which features interactive, temporary art installations throughout our community. These unexpected aesthetic experiences are created by the city’s Library & Cultural Arts Department to enliven local landscapes and encourage people to talk more about the arts. The overall goal is to provide a greater awareness of local and regional artists and heighten the visibility of artists and the arts in Carlsbad. Watch for more pop-up art experiences to sprout near you!