‘Sunbathers’ Sculpture Evicted from Park

The two white-coated steel figures known as “The Sunbathers” have provided a focal point to a crescent of open land behind the high school known as Nita Carman Park since 1983.

Since their installation, the sculptures by Leonard Glasser have deteriorated and required restoration three times at a total cost of $8,550, according to city records.

Glasser originally received a $6,000 honorarium for the two figures, installed on concrete bases.

Based on a recommendation by the city’s Arts Commission to forgo yet another restoration and remove the work, the City Council voted unanimously to de-accession the installation Tuesday, Jan. 12.

The city hired Smith Art Conservation of Long Beach in 2013 to assess the installation and make estimates for repairs or alternate solutions, which ultimately proved too costly, according to a staff report.

Removal of the work, pressure washing and abrasive blasting, powder coating and re-installation came to $23,150. This includes the conservator’s fee of $500, the staff report said.

“We should not take this laying down; this is a landmark,” said Glasser, of Sherman Oaks, in response to the decision. “I made the work in steel in a way that it would not deteriorate, using the best materials available at the time. It should have been done in non-corrosive metal, not steel, but there was not enough money.”

Glasser further recollected that the work has had a turbulent history. Someone attempted to steal the chair where one figures reposes. Someone else once removed a hand. It had been sprayed with black paint and by dogs, who left their own mark.

“Some people loved it, others hated it. I did a pretty good job in trying to preserve it, but the city was responsible for the sculpture and did no maintenance on it whatsoever,” he said in an interview.

In response to principal Andrew Smith’s conservation report, Glasser said he provided the city’s cultural arts manager, Sian Poeschl, restoration estimates ranging from $758 to $7,200.

Finding these figures unfeasible, the Arts Commission recommended permanent removal.

Smith had found failed surface coating, exposed steel, corrosion and delaminated paint and suggested two treatment options that range in cost from $5,550 to $12,000, with a longevity of seven to 10 years, respectively.

“I don’t think the city should scrap it,” resident Johanna Felder said at the hearing, suggesting that some of the Art Commission’s $408,000 budget be earmarked for maintenance of its portolio. The city website shows 75 pieces of public art.

“I think it’s a favorite in the community,” added Council member Toni Iseman.

The site and installation base both proved to be poor choices, said Poeschl.

Years after “The Sunbathers” started soaking up rays, the City Council in 2004 adopted guidelines for the de-accession of artworks that require excessive maintenance or restoration costs that exceed its value.

De-accessioned works are returned to the artist, Poeschl said. Informed of the city’s plans to remove the work, Glasser offered to replace the sculpture in stainless steel, but was told the offer was declined.