New bronze sculpture to be installed Aug. 27

FALLBROOK – Sculptor, professor and Fallbrook resident Peter Mitten will unveil his cast bronze sculpture titled “Yeibichai” on Friday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m., at 212 E. Alvarado Street as part of an agreement brokered with Fallbrook’s Art in Public Places, a division of Fallbrook Arts, Inc. The bronze measures 86 inches x 48 inches x 24 inches.

For the Navajo, Yeibichai are supernatural beings that created the Navajo people and taught them how to live in harmony with the natural world and universe beyond.

In discussing this piece in particular as well as other recent works, Mitten explained that his life’s cumulative experience exploring and observing dynamic topography in nature often lays the foundation for an idea or theme for his sculpture.

Hiking the paths created by water and used by animals in our natural environment is a pastime Mitten cannot get enough of. Talking about his work – putting words together that explain or provide definition for his sculpture – is anathema to him. Mitten would much prefer that his work be left to the individual observer, whose interpretation is informed by his or her particular life experience.

Mitten’s work can be found in both public and private collections throughout the country. Locally, his work can be viewed at the Santa Ysabel Art Gallery near Julian, as well as individual works on display at sites such as the Escondido Transit Center. Mitten is currently working to complete another large-scale installation for the new Fallbrook Library.

After several long visits to Southern California, Mitten graduated from Southern Illinois University’s renowned metals program and immediately set his sights on San Diego. He has been a resident of the area ever since.

Mitten has worked at the Fallbrook School of the Arts campus since 1977, and has also taught drawing and sculpture regularly for Palomar College. He is currently teaching 3D Design and Sculpture at Mount San Jacinto College as well as a new live sculpture class about which he is very enthused.

Art in Public Places Chair Sandi LeMaster is pleased to have acquired Mitten’s Yeibichai sculpture, which will be on loan to APP for the next two years. LeMaster explained that with the addition of this piece, Fallbrook’s Art in Public Places will broaden the scope of its current public compendium. This is the first installation since LeMaster became chair of Art in Public Places for FAI.

LeMaster explained that Joon Cho, owner and operator of Ray’s Insta-Tune, agreed to donate the installation space for Mitten’s Yeibichai at the corner of Alvarado and Vine Streets.

The installation event will take place during that evening’s Hot Summer Nites event downtown. The public is welcome to attend.