Fernanda d'Agostino created Garden of Strength for the new Mayfair Community Center, a suite of three distinct artwork elements.  D'Agostino was inspired by the diversity and the rich cultural history of the Mayfair area neighborhoods and by the spirit of growth and renewal embodied in the flourishing Mayfair Community Garden adjacent to the site, one of the City's oldest community gardens. The garden as a metaphor for the community is a unifying motif through the three major elements in the project. 
 
Bienvenidos is an art glass window installation that form an archway in the Center's entrance. Photographic images depicting lush stalks of corn raising their leaves to the sun, swirling folkloric dancers and inspirational quotations are fused into the glass panels. The images, drawn from local subjects, are intended to impart an uplifting sense of welcome, aspiration and growth. By day the windows filter golden light into the Center's lobby; after dark, light from within the Center casts a warm glow outward.
 
Garden of Life is a richly textured group of elements in the Center's tower; it is based on the idea of the nichos used in many cultures to honor items of special significance. The elements include: a glass mosaic niche patterned in celestial designs much like those used in navigation, in recognition of the journeys made by many people to come here; hand-crafted bronze and glass apricot branches by artist Jaime Guerrero in homage to the community heritage linked to farm labor and the widespread fruit orchards;  a timeline of Mayfair historic images on glass; a video installation featuring images of local history and culture; and more.

The Garden of Life artworks invite visitors to explore, and to pause and reflect on the cultural significance of this locale.
 

The Three Sisters are three stone sculptures that depict the time honored trilogy of squash, beans and corn, fundamental and sustaining food elements in several cultures. These were carved under D'Agostino's direction by master stone carver Mauricio Saldana; the artworks were modeled on actual plants grown by farmers in the Mayfair Community Garden. The Three Sisters are located in what D'Agostino calls the Discovery Courtyard. This is a reference to the central courtyard in many homes worldwide and the beautiful sense of discovery one has when emeging from a dark interior into a hidden courtyard full of light and life.
 
D'Agostino intended Garden of Strength as an aesthetic tribute to the vibrant heritage of the community around the Center. In creating Garden of Strength she worked closely with many community members and organizations, and she is deeply appreciative of all those who helped her build the content of the artwork by contributing their time ideas, stories, images and much more. She also collaborated with skilled artists in the creation of the work including Mauricio Saldana, Jaime Guerrero, and others.
 
The new Mayfair Community Center is at 2039 Kammerer Ave, San José 95116. The Grand Opening Celebration is Saturday, January 31, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM; the official ceremony begins at 10:30 AM. The artists will be present to discuss the work following the program.
 

Free. Please join us. Everyone is welcome!

Next Meeting:  January 20, 2009 - 5:30 PM. 

The Public Art Committee 's regular monthly meeting is Tuesday, January 20 at 5:30 PM. The following action item is on the meeting agenda:

SPEED CITY - FROM CIVIL RIGHTS TO BLACK POWER: an exhibition presented in conjunction with History San José that presents a broad view of context of the runners, their lives and their controversial actions during the 1968 Olympics, curated by Urla Hill. On exhibit in the Council Wing 1st Floor Corridor Gallery through March 30, 2009.

While visiting downtown you can interact with Jim Conti's artwork Show Your Stripes at The 88, San José's new high rise residences at 88 E. San Fernando that enlivens downtown with its colorful and intriguing cascade of light patterns.

Call (408) 287-0128 after sundown. After you hear the tone, enter any three numbers, which can include # or *, from your telephone keypad, and then enter zero and hang-up. If the number sequence is programmed, then the colors should change in about 10 seconds. (Note: Not ALL 3 number combinations have been programmed yet, so if one you try doesn't work, please try another.)  Some fun ones to try include *25 for Christmas, or *14 for Valentine's Day. 

TWO FUN WAYS TO EXPLORE PUBLIC ART IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE