Overview
In addition to the ten mosaic Sapphire Tower Columns, Betsy Schulz designed a metal and glass sculpture to adorn the Sapphire Tower residential condominium, much as a ring or a necklace adorns a person, with the glass in the sculpture representing the gems, and the metal framing acting as the setting. Designed and built during the building’s construction in 2008 and 2009, the sculpture is angular to complement the building’s lines. With the blue color of a sapphire, the sculpture is unique in the way it is integrated into the building’s structure, not only for its support but also to allow its large size within a small footprint. Subtle gradations of color on the walls of the stairs behind the sculpture coordinate with and are visible through the sculpture itself. LED strips light the building at night.
| Name: | Sapphire Tower Glass and Metal Fin |
| Artist: | Betsy Kopshina Schulz |
| Fabricator: | Standford Signs (built and installed) |
| Glass: | Gomolka Designs |
| Medium: | Metal framing skinned with painted aluminum panels, cast and laminated blue and clear glass, stainless steel mesh, and low-voltage blue LED string lights |
| Size: | 80’ high, 12’–27’ deep, 12”–32” wide |
| Duration: | January 2008–July 2009 |
| Location: | Sapphire Tower 1262 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA |
| Client: | Centurion Partners, LLC |
| Thanks: | Centurion Partners and AVRP Studios |
