Wieckowski Chooses Fremont Artist’s Work for State Capitol Display

From Senator Wieckowski: When Fremont artist Peter Langenbach surveys the world, he sees a lot of opportunities to display his irreverence through his various works of art. Now, Langenbach’s “Enduring the Winter of Discontent,” a polychromed wood carving with characters on stilts amid the growing threat of sea level rise, is on display at the California State Capitol.

State Senator Bob Wieckowski, the chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, chose to highlight Langenbach’s work as part of the California State Senate Contemporary Art Collection. Senators pick an artist from their district to have their art displayed in the two rooms where members caucus, the Maddy Lounge and the Cox Clubhouse.

“There’s an enormous amount of creativity and diverse scenes from the various regions in California,” Wieckowski said of the art displays. “Two years ago, the art work I chose focused on drought. With the many reports coming out about the need to prepare for sea level rise, this year’s piece is very topical. He also incorporates recycled material into his work, which I appreciate.”

Langenbach said reusing materials in his art forces him to be more creative, even if it is more challenging. For 35 years he taught middle school in the New Haven Unified School District before retiring in 2007. His art has been displayed in venues throughout the Bay Area and he enjoys being involved with Oakland and Fremont’s Windows on Art projects, where vacant storefronts are turned into temporary art galleries.

Langenbach also works together with his wife, Maureen, on Day of the Dead installations at the Oakland Museum, SOMA in San Francisco, Meeks Mansion and Sun Gallery in Hayward, and Niles Main Street in Fremont.

Senator Wieckowski represents the 10th District, which includes southern Alameda County and parts of Santa Clara County.

Photo courtesy of the Senator