Due to the need for costly renovations, the city of Newport Beach will not accept a donated bronze sculpture once displayed at Fashion Island.
The Newport Beach Arts Commission unanimously voted Thursday to decline the Irvine Co.'s donation of "Skydivers" because of the estimated $135,000-plus cost of renovating, moving and installing the iconic work.
"It really is such a piece of our history and our community that would be lovely to keep," if it weren't for the cost of renovation, said commission Chairwoman Robyn Grant.
Aristides Demetrios' "Skydivers" — which depicted three skydivers, all with outstretched arms toward one another to form a triangular shape — was commissioned in the 1960s, then towered over the shopping center's Atrium Lawn for nearly half a century.
The Arts Commission, which previously voted to recommend that the City Council accept the artwork, rescinded its original vote.
"I'm just going to suggest, as gracious as it was for the Irvine Co. to offer this, it doesn't comply with our policy," said Commissioner Robert Smith.