HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0268.003 2020-2022 i
rP/Fail
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COMMASI
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From: Elizabeth Miller
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2021 7:09 PM COUNTY CLERKCOUNTY j
RAWAI
To: Council Testimony a RECED ®I
Subject: Sculpture by Henry Bianchini i e l. 1
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Dates MAY 3 1 2021
Aloha members of the Hawaii County Council,
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I live in Volcano, which is known as a community with a large number of artists and scientists.
I am an artist (with a degree in Art and Design from Iowa State University) and a background in science, and with a
great deal of experience in both making and administrating "public art" in Washington State before moving to Hawaii
Island (17 years ago).
Bereft of an adequate process to site public art on this island, like an Arts Commission would do, you are left with the
job of managing opposing views of the sculpture gifted to the County by Henry Bianchini. You can't be expected to
be experts in the field of art, nor were you elected to be the judge and jury of what public art is and where it should be
placed. Nor can you rely on the negative opinions of the uneducated-in-art public to tell you what you should do.
I can testify that there is enormous support for this culturally significant bronze sculpture in all the arts communities
across our island, including Volcano, Honoka'a, Hawi, Waimea, Holualoa, Hilo...and a great interest it being installed
in a place that reflects the artist's intent - a fisherman sharing his catch with the community. When Henry and his
family sailed from San Diego on the trimaran he built to Hawaii Island, they were fed by catch of Hawaiian
fisherman. You might say the trimaran was his first sculpture. Now he wants to repay the 'kindness of the catch' back
to Hawaiian island community. Really, what could be more appropriate than this sculpture and for a location at the
Isles or where it currently is?
There are obviously going to be some loud, vocal nay-sayers who will and are tryring to bully the Council, which is
unfortunate and unfair to you.
I implore you not to buckle to them.
The opportunity in this situation, however, is the development of a Hawaii County Arts Commission comprised of
professional artists (in all the arts), architects, and arts educators who would gladly volunteer their time for this
important endeavor going forward.
MAHALO for your consideration in this matter...and for all that you do to help the people of this island!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Miller
Volcano, HI 96785
Comm. No
Ref. To:
1 Ref. tete JUN 1 2424