The City of Redlands will hold an unveiling ceremony for the Sister Cities Clock Sculpture, the City’s newest public art installation, at 6 p.m. Monday, May 20, at Ed Hales Park, at the corner of Fifth and East State streets.
The sculpture, by artists Dan and Dina Romero of Mentone, was commissioned in 2016 after recommendation by the Redlands Cultural Arts Commission and approval by the City Council. The funds for the artwork were donated by a single donor, with additional funds for the installation donated by the Redlands Sister Cities Association.
The Cultural Arts Commission put out a call for artists after Mayor Paul Foster issued a challenge at the 2015 State of the City luncheon to install new public art in the City. Commissioners chose the Romeros after interviewing and viewing artwork by several artists. Following the recommendation, the commission began raising funds for the creation and installation of the sculpture. Commissioners also recommended that the artwork be installed in Ed Hales Park.
The sculpture includes clocks - representing the City of Redlands’ three sister cities in Hino, Japan; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Linli, China - and a kinetic element designed to operate every hour on the hour.
City crews have already begun preparing space in the park for installation of the sculpture. Additional installation work begins Monday which will require the closure of Fifth Street between the City parking lot and East State Street. The closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, May 6, through May 17. On Thursday May 16, the street will be closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accommodate Market Night. The street will be closed again Monday, May 20, in preparation for unveiling beginning at 5:30 p.m.
At the unveiling, Mayor Paul Foster will offer brief remarks and introduce the artists. Light refreshments will be available. The event is open to the public.