Sharks to invade San Jose

The concept is modeled after a public art project introduced in Switzerland in 1998, which had strategically placed decorated fiberglass cows around placed around the city of Zurich.

That project was replicated in Chicago the following year, and in New York last year.

"Instead of cows, we tried to come up with something that represents San Jose," said Joel Wyrick, a Shark Byte Art producer. "Our first ideas were fruit, and then a microchip, but both icons were quickly squashed by local artists. Sharks were our last definitive and most logical icon."

But Shark Byte Art doesn't want to be just another copycat art project.

"This hasn't happened on the West Coast yet, and I don't believe there is a more creative pool of artists than what we have here in the Bay Area," said Artistic Director Cherri Lakey.

"In addition," added Brian Eder of the Two Fish Design Group, "the vision is to make this an experience for everyone--not just the existing art community. We saw the sharks as the perfect messenger."

Eder said the shark icons will certainly interest more than just artists.

"Whether you're a hockey fan, an arts enthusiast or a culture vulture, this will be an event that the Silicon Valley brags about for years to come. After all, the world's eyes are already on the Silicon Valley," he said. "We just want to keep them mesmerized."

After getting enough artists for the project, Shark Byte Art needs to find sponsors for the event.

"Each shark needs a $3,500 sponsor to cover the costs," Wyrick said. "As part of the sponsorship, the plain fiberglass shark will cost $1,800, the selected artist will receive a $1,000 honorarium for their work and the remaining $700 will go to the administrative and marketing costs."

The Downtown Associatio n will act as the "holding tank" for the project with Wyrick working out of their offices. Those interested in sponsoring the program will have their business name placed on the shark for the four months it will be on display.

Shark Byte Art is estimating that the project will generate over $20 million in revenue for downtown merchants.<