Art in the Public Square - San Juan Capistrano
Mission Statement
TASJA is committed to promote and sponsor public and visible art in San Juan Capistrano California by supporting emerging and established visual and performing artists for commissioned artworks in the public square, thereby providing civic pride for locals, educational opportunities for visitors, and economic benefits for the merchants.
An Initiative for Our Times
This initiative is intended to glorify the historical elements in San Juan Capistrano by the establishment of an Arts program that features public and private large artwork.
San Juan is blessed with many cultural attributes. The Mission is the mainstay of these icons, there is a world-class rodeo and a rich historic presence. Together they attract thousands of visitors each year. We have an active Native American Community as well as a diverse population that seeks to enhance these cultural attributes.
However, while we have some noteworthy sculptures and murals, we are not generally known as an art community. “Binding Contract,” the sculpture on a Del Obispo hillside along with the murals and many fountains attest to artistic influences. We are surrounded by cities with significant art collections. Creative new acquisitions of sculptures and other large art will enhance our downtown, improve the business environment, and provide a further pride of place for our residents. Temporary art, including visual, performance, and ephemeral art, will also be a component of art in the public square.
The Case for Art in the Public Square
Where is the Art in
San Juan Capistrano
Opportunities for Public Art
San Juan Capistrano has a reputation as a historic town. With this in mind, the public art program should reflect and reinforce this identity. Public artworks should be located at sites, public or commercial, which are accessible to the public and very visible. The medium could include sculptures, murals, mosaics, and fountains, focusing on the history and areas of significance in San Juan. Public artworks, whether juried or commissioned, should be selected by a commission of art professionals under the umbrella of the city.
SCULPTURES AND OTHER OUTDOOR ARTWORK IN
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO WOULD:
