Thanks to the recent restoration at the hands of ArtCare, a partnership between the San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Art Dealers Association (SFADA), now is an ideal time to visit acclaimed local sculptor and CCA alumnus Peter Voulkos (1924–2002)'s (MFA '52) prominent spiraling sculpture that rests on the west corner lawn of San Francisco Hall of Justice at Seventh and Bryant streets.

You know the one -- it's the 30-foot-tall sculpture with sinewy black curves made of bronze, steel, and other various metals. By day it lurks above the adjacent shrubbery like a dinosaur seeking its next meal, yet by night it can be as unassuming as an oil stain on a parking garage floor.

Now thanks to San Francisco galleriest Ruth Braunstein's ArtCare endeavor, a program that is committed to the conservation and maintenance of artworks that are among the city’s invaluable cultural assets, this exquisite behemoth of a sculptural landmark will continue to amaze and beguile San Francisco's public for many, many years to come.

CCA Alumnus Peter Voulkos: Standing the Test of Time

The untitled work, affectionately referred to as Hall of Justice, was completed in 1971 yet shines anew, thanks to a specialized cleaning, repatination, and application of a protective coating—all made possible with private funds (estimated at $35,000) issued by the newly formed ArtCare. The program aims to enlist private donors to complement the existing city government–provided annual budget of $100,000. Currently 15 public artworks in parks, plazas, and other public spaces are dog-eared for repair. Voulkos's Hall of Justice marks the inaugural restoration project.

"It had lost its sheen," said Susan Pontious, civic art collection and public art program director of the San Francisco Art Commission, due to salty air, car exhaust, dirt, and graffiti. "People come here from all over the world, and they come here because of San Francisco's reputation as a creative and artistic city," she said. "We want the art that's out here to be continued, to be a draw for visitors and, of course, an amenity for people who live here."

Forthcoming Restorations

According to the San Francisco Art Commission, there are approximately 3,500 objects in the collection of public art project in need of restoration, estimated in excess of $86 million dollars. The City of San Francisco allocates approximately $15,750 annually toward the care of the entire collection. To see other works that have been targeted as being in need of restoration, visit the ArtCare website.

Public Rededication

At the Friday, July 17, recommemoration of Voulkos's sculpture, Voulkos's wife, Ann, and their daughter, Pier, and her husband, were in attendance, taking marvel at the renewed shine of the marvelous art piece. "I see my father in it. It's totally him," Pier said. "It's big, bold, over the top. It's strong, just like he was."

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Read the SFGate.com feature