Dear Action Line: So, the new sculpture at the 32nd Street bridge might as well have been put in a hole. When driving east on 32nd it’s invisible. And when coming west down 32nd, don’t blink or you’ll miss it! There’s all this grassy open area higher up and just 30 feet away. It could have been placed there so all could see it. – Gary Archie
Dear Gary: Good question. Action Line took a stroll around the site on the east side of the newest Animas River Trail crossing and asked, “If I was the artist, where would I want my sculpture?” Action Line drew a complete blank, and realized, “This is why I am a writer. Let’s contact the actual artist and see what HE says.”
The maker of “Celestial Sailor,” Jeff Glode Wise, explained why that spot was chosen. Vehicles were not first in mind. The piece, which “depicts an interstellar traveler astride their starship canoe,” was dedicated in mid-September.
“I coagulated with city staff and together we chose that spot because it gives pedestrians and bicyclists on the bridge a closeup view of the sculpture from above, while offering a completely different perspective from the lower side of the circular River Trail,” Wise said.
“It also can be seen from the river and the train, making it a polytransportational experience.”
Art being art, some folks will not be moved, and never appreciate this polytransportational (wow!) experience. But getting out of the vehicle for a while is never a bad idea.
“There are aspects of the sculpture which are only revealed when standing under it, so I hope that drivers who catch a passing glimpse will be encouraged to park and walk down for a closer view, where they can appreciate the similarities in form between the sculpture and the elegant curve of the bridge,” Wise said. “Lastly but leafy, all those trees in the grassy circle will grow tall in the coming years.”
Tommy Crosby, the city’s economic opportunity coordinator, noted that placing the sculpture closer to the road would have created issues with the sculpture swaying into the right of way as it rotates with the wind. This was potentially a problem for emergency vehicles and other large vehicles such as trash haulers and trolleys.
“I encourage folks to go check it out,” Crosby said. “Look at it from on top of the ped bridge then circle your way down to observe it from below and see if you can find all the cosmic details Jeff added to this piece.”
And, Wise pointed out, if you’re into art from a vehicle perspective, his “Flamingo Flambeaux Interstellar Observatory” sculpture, known as the giant pink sunglasses, hangs over Junction Creek Road.
Dear Action Line: The GIS website for the city of Durango shows that the city right-of-way on East Third Avenue goes from the sidewalk to the curb. Why are political signs allowed in the right-of-way? They have sprouted up like mushrooms in inappropriate places. Please have City Code Enforcement prevail. – Portabella Fella
Dear Portabella: That’s right. There’s an election coming up. Should Action Line vote for Lujan Grisham or Ronchetti? Oh, that’s New Mexico? So sad: All those slick, totally accurate, insightful and positively polite political TV ads, once again wasted on us Durangoans.
But at least we’ve had a good mushroom crop this year with all the rain. It’s just too bad political signs can’t be similarly stirred into delicious hot soup once Nov. 8 comes and goes and the late fall chill sets in. Unlike mushrooms, political signs increase risk of heart disease.
So, Action Line first ran this question past Tiffany Lee, La Plata County’s clerk and recorder. She hears about things like this, but has “zero authority” over them.
“I receive many complaints and can only refer them to the correct entity,” she emailed. “Sorry I can’t be more helpful … but any factual reporting you can do now would be great.”
La Plata County’s website may have answers to various election-related questions. In regard to sign regulations, there is a link to information about “Election Campaign Sign Codes” on this page: www.co.laplata.co.us/services/elections/index.php. The county, as well as Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio, all have regulations.
Next, it was time to contact a regular in this column, Steve Barkley, Durango code enforcement officer. From expired meters to election sign high jinks, code enforcement does it all.
“Yes, the greenbelt between the sidewalk and street is considered public property,” Barkley confirmed.
The property owner can’t place signs on it, but is responsible for its maintenance. Fair or not, that’s the rules we all signed up for under the city’s Land Use Code.
“Signage is prohibited in the public right-of-way except for authorized signs,” Barkley said. “Political signs are prohibited on public right-of-ways.”
If they see or are informed of this violation, code officers contact the property owner to educate them and have them move the sign onto private property, which in this case, is just a few feet across the sidewalk.
Email questions and suggestions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. Isn’t it a good thing we don’t vote over public art?
