New Public Art Program Launched. The first piece of public art in the City’s new Sculpture Installation Program has been installed at Highway 101 and K Street. The artwork is titled, Orpheus, and is a 22′ tall kinetic sculpture made from titanium and stainless steel by renowned Encinitas artist Jeffery Laudenslager. “It is truly a stunning piece as a gateway to our community,” said Commission for the Arts member Deanne Sabeck.

The program calls for a series of sculptures to be installed throughout the city on a temporary basis. Mr. Laudenslager has loaned the artwork to the City for one year. All project costs for the K Street location, including the installation of a concrete pedestal, was funded by Encinitas Friends of the Arts and a Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant from the County of San Diego.

An official unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 a.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Be Part of Something Grand!

Encinitas Friends of the Arts (EFA) would like to purchase a sculpture by Jeffery Laudenslager, Orpheus, a soaring 22’ tall kinetic sculpture made from titanium and stainless steel which is installed at the corner of K Street and Coast Hwy 101 in downtown Encinitas and donate it to the city for all to enjoy. The artwork is currently in place on a one-year loan as part of the Sculpture Installation Program. Orpheus serves as an entryway to the city, welcoming more than 30,000 vehicles daily to this beautiful coastal community. With your help, Orpheus will become EFA’s first permanent installation of public art!

What will your contribution support?

We have begun a fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 to complete the purchase of this exceptional artwork. We invite you to be a part of this unique opportunity in support of arts and culture! We will involve you in the story every step of the way and can acknowledge your generous support on the EFA website and in print, if you wish.

Why Fundraise?

Purchasing a major piece of public art is an expensive enterprise and while we have generous donations to date, EFA still needs to raise the remaining funds in order to realize this purchase. Additionally, this kind of fundraising embodies the spirit of individual collaboration on a local level, which is central to our mission. We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to be personally and directly involved with public art projects. This is our first public art project and we plan to do many more!

About Jeffery Laudenslager

Jeffery Laudenslager is well known for creating sculptures that are captivating yet contemplative. He was the recipient of the prestigious Orchid Award for his 34-foot kinetic sculpture Archimage (Master Magician), located in Del Mar and visible from the Interstate 5 freeway. Like his other kinetic sculptures, this sculpture is visually elegant Tai Chi. His artistic vision is to “provide a visual playground for the viewer.  Aesthetics and scale are developed in a dialogue between myself as artist and the environment.” Jeffery’s work can be found in public venues and private collections throughout the United States and around the world, including South Korea, Italy and Switzerland.  For more information, please visit: www.laudenslagersculpture.com

Orpheus Donor Levels & Benefits

Make your donation today and you can enjoy the following benefit Checks are preferred, made payable to EFA.

Bronze Circle            $250                        One-year membership for two patrons

Copper Circle            $500                        2 free tickets to the EFA Passport to Italy

Silver Circle               $1,000            4 free tickets to the EFA Passport to Italy

Gold Circle                  $2,500            Studio tour with artist Jeffery Laudenslager

Platinum Circle            $5,000            Orpheus maquette in stainless steel

Titanium Circle            $10,000            Orpheus maquette and an elegant lunch with   artist Jeffery Laudenslager