Wind Song

Sail billowing out, an abstract windsurfer glides on a sea of grass at the north end of Centennial Park in an area close to the Senior Center in Pleasanton.  Standing 15 feet tall and commissioned in sealed and painted polychrome on ½” plated steel, artist Greg Hawhorne’s windsurfer captures the flexing power of the wind. The base of the art rests on a cement pad allowing observers to walk around the sculpture.  Bright Picasso hues enliven the sculpture and remind sports enthusiasts of windsurfers in the Pacific Coast waters as well as nearby Lake Del Valle. The arch of metal attached to the surfer depicts the “boom”, the base on concrete the “board” and the large sail indicates a “true wind” which sings when the sail is full.  Wind Song was created and aptly named by the talented Greg Hawthorne, Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur.

Greg Hawthorne is a multi-talented artist. He works with a variety of media from paintings and full-color human figures to outdoor acid-etched sculptures, furniture, and fused glass. Greg grew up in Detroit, Chicago, and first enrolled in Michigan Technical University (1969-1971) as a Pre-Med Sciences student.  He later attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Chicago.  His work is an expression of his belief that a changing society influences art.

Wind Song was presented to Pleasanton in 2012 by Nancy and Gary Harrington through their “Harrington Art Partnership Piece for You” (H.A.P.P.Y)  Come to Centennial Park and let your thoughts sail away to bliss.

Jan Coleman-Knight