We don't have a dog in the fight over a 56-foot-long red rabbit leaping into the new terminal at the Sacramento airport. (We do note, however, that the same artist's 40-foot-tall Big Blue Bear at Denver's Colorado Convention Center is a huge favorite with residents, visitors, artists and the chamber of commerce. Originally derided in some circles, the bear has become extremely popular.)
But we do want to say something about public art – and those who gripe about spending money on art in hard times (or good times).
Look, any society that aspires to greatness and a place in history supports public art. Think Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, India. The great cities in the United States have fabulous public art. Chicago or New York or San Francisco come to mind. A walk around Sacramento shows a wealth of public art – and it makes our city a better place.
In a democracy, in particular, public art sends the message that art is not the exclusive privilege of certain groups of people, but for everybody. It sends the message that art is a vital part of everyday life, not a luxury product for private collectors or museum-goers.
Even during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt insisted on public art – and more than 200,000 works of public art created during that time remain with us still.
Yes, the first obligation of local government is to provide police and fire and schools and services for the poor, elderly and disabled. But even during hard times, quality of life still matters.
Sacramento County has an ordinance requiring that 2 percent of public projects' total construction costs must be spent on art. At the Sacramento airport, the money comes from passenger fees, concessions and airport parking. It does not affect the county's general fund.
The airport already has interesting public art. Brian Goggin's "Samson" features 700 pieces of old luggage piled from floor to ceiling. Seyed Alavi's "The Flying Carpet" offers a wonderful aerial view of the region. You can see Gregory Kondos' "Sacramento River" and more.
If you don't like the rabbit, fine. Contact the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and let them know. But don't begrudge public art. More of it will help make Sacramento a great city.
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