Spotlight On: John Hazeltine Private & Public Community Art
John Hazeltine is a community philanthropist sharing his vision to make San Clemente a more vibrant community. His vision is to lift peoples’ spirits and increase the joy in this town. John expects this life improvement will come with an increase of public art. He is a strong financial and involvement contributor to many public benefit facets to this community including: Casa Romantica and the Cabrillo Theater to name two of many recipients of his generosity, including this Historical Society.
One part of his mission is accomplished. The mission was to be able to have private art displayed on public property in San Clemente. This type of art display was approved by the city. Public property around San Clemente has the paintings and other artwork on various surfaces such as building walls. Art is also found on other city property, such as utility boxes and on various other structures and surfaces around town. His work with Pier Pride, and other groups, has led to the current artwork and displays on the pier and the large 2021 Olympics, surf themed, murals along the paseo by El Camino Real. This art partnership is poised to continue and grow. Its growth is mainly on private property. As with our tile murals on Avenida Del Mar, which appear on the bulb outs and other community projects that are on city owned properties. There are two more projects in the works near the Dorothy Visser Senior Center.
John explains, “Our San Clemente community has a real history. Ole Hanson was a man of vision. He founded, then contributed in so many ways, to make this town a Spanish Village by the Sea. With its park-like settings, community centers, activities, and vistas he established, that we continue to enjoy today. This is what public art will contribute to by enhancing the community with a wide variety of art. Some are minor pieces, but in the future more major ones. The kind of art that families will engage with and have momento photos taken with the art.”
“Art can have free expression of the artist. With the technology today using our phones we can see and hear the artist speak about the work while at the display. This is how many people get information about our town. They use the current technology and we can use this to our advantage. San Clemente is a place people like to visit because of our unique, family owned shops. What I propose will just increase the value of this community experience. There will be art for everyone.”
“How the historical society can help is by providing photos of every decade from before the town’s founding in the 1920’s, into the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s...on to the present day. These photos can be made into wraps for covering surfaces such as the utility boxes and such. A fine example is the historic mural on Pico at the former Hanson’s Market which is now a bank. A blank building wall now reveals this community's historic character. We have made great strides in San Juan Capistrano, we have art there at all levels from the small local contributions to sizable major works on both public and private land.“
John explained through his website: tasja.org “The alliance promotes a San Juan Capistrano that, while maintaining its traditional values, will dare to sign up for a new venture that promotes and commissions more art in San Juan. It will promote a vibrant business community and will have a positive economic impact. Art in the Public Square will serve as a catalyst for new distinctive galleries, shops, and restaurants. Major artworks will attract tourists and visitors alike to our historic downtown and offer an enhanced appreciation of our rich cultural heritage.”
Communities such as San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Dana Point and Laguna Beach have very vibrant public art programs. John thinks San Clemente should follow this path. One way to accomplish the public art goal is by initiating a development fee on new construction. It is not in place currently because our community leadership has not been in favor of such a fee. City council members have stated publicly at many meetings that they are willing to facilitate public art, as they have; but, have no desire to impose additional development fees even for such a worthwhile public benefit arena.
John has asked for historical photos to use around San Clemente. This photographic history type of art is not as controversial as other styles. San Clemente has an interesting history with some of it preserved in photographs. These photographs are popular items. Art that has a purpose and a reminder of where we were and what our origins and stages of development were like. Compare these photos with what you see here today. Imagine the city in the past while enjoying it today. That should lift some spirits and help bring people a little joy while in town through our public art.