A letter in the July 21 issue of the Courier correctly states that the "large conquistador helmet is rusting behind the fence where Mary Avenue ends." But there is more to the story.

A morion (conquistador helmet) has been the official symbol of the city of Cupertino since 1955. It is precisely because of the sculpture's symbolic value that it was removed from the old library site and stored at the city corporation yard for safekeeping and repairs. It is rusting because that was the deliberate intention of the artist; the core-10 steel was used because it oxidizes to a beautiful reddish-brown. Pending the recommendations of the Cupertino Fine Arts Commission and the city council, the sculpture will be reinstalled (probably near city hall) in time for the opening celebrations at the new library on Oct. 30.

The same letter objected to the aesthetics and cost of the sculpture Perspectives at Cali Mill Plaza. There is more to this story as well. The sculpture was paid for with substantial financial support from Apple Computer, to the tune of $100,000. The process of artist search and selection and decisions about sculpture design and placement took many, many hours of work over the course of years by the citizen volunteers of the fine arts commission and other members of the community.

Many feel that the act of noticing and discussing art is as important as its aesthetic value. It is often the case that art or sculpture that at first seems ungainly or out-of-place soon becomes a source of pride for the community.

The now-cherished morion sculpture has been described by some as a giant metal snail. The only sure thing about art is that some people will like it, and some won't.

The city is working toward a variety of public art in many different locations, and this will hopefully result in a pleasing, surprising and evocative collection from which everyone can find at least one piece that he or she loves.

The fact that public art is sometimes controversial should not stop this process. The entire community benefits from the efforts of engaged individuals and companies. Likewise, the entire community loses when those who volunteer their time and resources for Cupertino are subjected to public name-calling and ridicule.

Rick Kitson is public information officer for the city of Cupertino.