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'Comet' lands behind Firehouse Arts Center
Sculpture unveiled in garden patio

by Nicole Doi

With the help of the Leadership Pleasanton Class of 2012, the Harrington Art Partnership unveiled its latest contribution of artwork to the city of Pleasanton on June 2 at the Pleasanton Firehouse Arts Center.

"Comet," a 12-foot tall, 30-inch wide sculpture, created by Max Demoss, joined a variety of pieces in the garden patio that Pleasanton residents Nancy and Gary Harrington hope will become a part of the "Pleasanton Art Walk," which they envision extending from the Arts Center to the Pleasanton Senior Center on Sunol Boulevard.

Sculptor Demoss, who lives in Hemet, used silver on red granite to construct "Comet," and the Harringtons came across it at an art gallery in Big Sur.

"A couple of years ago, we went down to the Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur. They have a lot of art there; we mentioned the art to the city of Pleasanton staff," Gary Harrington recalled.

"Then we went back with four staff members and looked around the gallery to select pieces that we liked. We went through the whole process of getting the piece approved by various committees. It's been in the works for the past few years," he continued.

"We needed to get another piece and decided that there was nothing like 'Comet.' It's beauty in itself."

The sculpture was originally named "Platter 173" but the Harringtons asked the artist for permission to rename it, due to its comet-like features.

Demoss used bronze casting for this piece of artwork that, according to its description, "implies motion suggesting transition from the artist's imagination to reality."

"My wife and I select various pieces of art and media from artists that we believe challenge the children of Pleasanton to think outside of the box," Harrington said.

Harrington, Demoss and gallery owner/artist Greg Hawthorne, along with the city of Pleasanton, worked to create a payment plan for "Comet." A lease-purchase agreement has been established between the artist and the Harrington Art Partnership.

The Leadership Pleasanton Class of 2012 contributed $3,500 to cover the first year's payment and then some. In recognition of their contribution, "Leadership Class of 2012" will be engraved on a plate on the sculpture.

The Harringtons still are looking for partners to share in its total cost, with the final payment due in February 2015. To help finance "Comet" or to partner with the Harringtons for future public art, contact them at 846-9757.