ARTISTS GET CLOSE LOOK AT SCULPTURE; COPPER CURTAIN EYED FOR REDESIGN CONCEPTS.

Byline: Krystn Shrieve Staff Writer

A half-dozen artists and architects got a close-up look Wednesday at the Copper Curtain, but they refused to divulge any plans they may have for redesigning the much-maligned sculpture.

The designers are considering submitting proposals on ways to improve the look of the 5-year-old copper artwork, which hangs on the east, outside wall of the Civic Arts Plaza. Proposals are due by Jan. 8.

Carole Balach, business manager for Arketset, an architectural firm in Simi Valley, said she came on the tour to find out more about the bidding process.

``I drive by it every day,'' Balach said of the Copper Curtain, which faces the Ventura Freeway. ``It's very uninspiring. It wasn't supposed to be static; it was supposed to allow movement, and over the years the copper was supposed to change colors.''

The Copper Curtain, 50 by 60 feet, is composed of strips of copper and was originally designed to depict a theater curtain. However, the fluttering metal strips have been secured to the structure, and it now more closely resembles the grill on the back of a refrigerator.

The city has been trying since 1995 to improve the sculpture. A subcommittee solicited bids last fall and received one response. It was ready to award the contract when two others expressed an interest in doing the work.

Ron Taybi of Rami Designs, who originally submitted the sole bid of nearly $300,000 for a stainless steel oak tree overlay, did not attend the tour and didn't return telephone calls for comment.

At this point, the city is looking for a design team to complete three tasks:

Investigate whether an oak tree design, considered at earlier meetings, could be further defined and considered feasible either with or without the curtain.

Develop schematic oak tree designs and possible construction methods.

Provide cost estimates for materials, construction and installation for each option.

``This is an unusual commission because we don't know what we want,'' Theaters Director Tom Mitze said. ``We want you to show us your ideas. But we're looking for qualified people on your team who can ensure the city that whatever you propose can be done.''

Artist Ron Mineo wouldn't say what he had in mind for the Copper Curtain other than it would be dynamic.

``What I'm thinking of will be a good look and will pull it out of the doldrums,'' Mineo said after coming down from the platform below the sculpture. ``I feel confident that my idea is valid and beautifully inspired.''

Artist Barbara Bouman-Jay, who owns a studio in Newbury Park, came to the tour to see how the sculpture is attached to the side of the building.

Bouman-Jay said although she's probably in the minority, she really likes the sculpture.

``I've thought about the curtain for years and have always loved it,'' Bouman-Jay said. ``It's so simple; that's what appeals to me. I don't know yet what I'd like to do with it, but any proposal I come up with would most likely be simple as well.''