During Brea's 100th Anniversary "Centennial Celebration" in 2017, the community-based Centennial Steering Committee placed a high importance on celebrating Brea's arts legacy throughout the year. The Committee determined investing in the creation of a public art sculpture would be a way to honor this legacy. In addition, the Committee had a strong desire to have the piece be created by Carlos Terres, Brea's former Artist-in-Residence and resident of Brea's Sister City, Lagos de Moreno. Prior to 2017, Mr. Terres had created nine (9) sculptures throughout Brea, one of the most of any artist, and the Centennial Committee believed honoring his longevity would also be fitting for the celebratory year.
Throughout 2017 staff, along with the Centennial Steering Committee appointed Arts Legacy Subcommittee, worked with the artist on the creation of the sculpture and received approval from the City Council on funding the project (a total cost of $66,000, plus installation and delivery costs). The piece would visually represent the Centennial Celebration, be made of the artists' proprietary material "Terroca," which has been used on other prominent sculptures through Brea. Staff kept the Art in Public Places Committee and the Cultural Arts Commission updated on progress made on the project. Ultimately, the sculpture was installed at Lagos de Moreno Park/Laurel Elementary (southeast corner of Flower & Birch) in January 2018.
In early 2019 staff began noticing damage to the sculpture, including sever cracks to the base, top, and other elements of the sculpture. Staff had arranged a trip for the artist's son, Yahi Terres, to travel to the U.S. in April 2020 to investigate the damage, but that trip was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
On November 4, 2020, the sculpture was destroyed due to a vehicle collision at the adjacent intersection. The City was only able to ascertain a small portion of the replacement value from the insurance claim submitted.
Per the artist, a mold of the piece is not available to recreate it. He also provided quotes for replacing the sculpture. The same material would cost the same price originally paid ($66,000), though the artist is recommending the piece be recreated in bronze which would cost ($86,000), shipping in either case would be covered by the artist. In 2017, the artist quoted the cost for creating the sculpture in bronze at $150,000.
Staff is now seeking City Council direction on the following:
- Recreating the sculpture in bronze, as recommended by the artist, APP Committee and Cultural Arts Commission.
- Not recreating the sculpture.
- Consideration of an alternate location for the sculpture.
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