A team of structural engineers and art conservators assess the structural integrity of the monumental public sculpture by Paul Conrad entitled ‘Chain Reaction’ on Friday, November 18, 2011.

The examination will consist of a visual inspection of the internal armature to detect any corrosion or other problems, along with lab testing of fiberglass and concrete samples, as well as the chain segments that clad the sculpture and their fasteners. Prior to the examination and testing conservators carefully documented and cataloged the segments of chains in the selected sample areas, then they will carefully cut out the area designated as the entry point for the internal inspection.

From the time that a potential public safety hazard was identified by Building Officer Ron Takiguchi, City staffs have worked diligently with a highly skilled team of professionals to devise and implement a plan that employs best practices to gather adequate information while doing everything possible to preserve the integrity of this important work of art. The first step in that process was the development of an evaluation by both a structural engineer and a highly regarded conservator, followed by extensive research into the fabrication of the work. As part of that process a number of the people who originally worked on the sculpture were interviewed and the artist’s family was notified.

It is anticipated that once the determinations from this next phase of the assessment process are complete the city will be able to develop a plan for the future of the work. Chain Reaction was a gift to the city, approved by City Council in 1991 after extensive public process and debate. The work was funded by a private donation to the Santa Monica Arts Foundation.