In celebration of Black History Month, Laguna Beach artist unveils public art piece ‘Anastasis’

Before the sun set Wednesday behind the hills surrounding Laguna Beach, a crowd gathered in front of City Hall in anticipation of the unveiling of a new sculpture.

Local artist Gerard Stripling thanked those assembled and talked about his love for the city. Residents, city officials and friends clapped as Stripling stripped off the white sheet covering his latest piece for the city.

Stripling sculpted “Anastasis,” an artwork that symbolizes rebirth, out of weathered steel and glass. Two angular pieces of steel loosely intertwine and are topped with flat polished glass. Five seating elements surround the artwork to encourage people to gather.

The sculpture is part of the city’s Ethnic Diversity and Black History Month celebration. The installation was funded by the Laguna Art Museum. It will sit on City Hall’s front lawn through the end of the month.

A guest takes a picture of the newest public art piece “Anastasis” during unveiling ceremony at the Laguna Beach City Hall Lawn on Wednesday.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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