David Best's Chapel of the Laborer

Update: Chapel to be torn down today- Thursday, February 3rd

Throughout the day yesterday, people came to see, photograph and touch the towering structure. Some left notes tucked in the building's walls complimenting the work.

"What a wonderful temple!!! I love everything about it. Please let it stay!!!" read a note signed "Sharon."

Some were in Spanish, such as one signed by Carlos Diaz that described the chapel as "bonito," or pretty.

by Gregg Chadwick

David Best - Chapel of the Laborer, San Rafael

photo by Alan Dep

David Best set out to build a temporary chapel for day laborers in San Rafael, California, "I wanted to break into a poor community, to build a central location where the laborers could reflect," said Best to Leslie Fulbright of the San Francisco Chronicle. "But the city has made us all illegal -- the Virgin Mary, the day laborers and me."

David Best

Temple of Honor - Burning Man 2003

photo by Gregg Chadwick

David Best is known for his massive yet elegant wood and paper structures created as temples of memory in the Nevada desert each year for the Burning Man Arts Festival. Best's creations become convergence points for reflection and prayer without the heavy handed overlay of dogma and guilt found in many organized religious spaces.

"This is where people come to buy groceries and make phone calls. It's a hub, and a place where someone can go and sit and cry about not being with family," Best said of the San Rafael space chosen for his chapel.

On Tuesday Councilman Cyr Miller stopped by in an attempt to persuade David that the city supported Best's art. Moments later, Best invited a Guatemalan immigrant to sit down inside the shrine and was promptly reprimanded - "That is not allowed," Miller said then threw up his hands and sighed saying he had no choice but to demand the removal of the chapel.

The chapel was to be part of Art Works Downtown's new exhibit- "Offerings and Sanctuaries".

From the Chronicle:"Phyllis Thelen, president of the nonprofit art association, said this is its first venture beyond the gallery walls. She said that although the city was very helpful with finding locations and getting permits, officials had no choice but to condemn Best's project after the owner complained.

"We've been back and forth all morning," Thelen said Tuesday. The owner "said her insurance company threatened to cancel her policy. It's unfortunate, especially because the manager thought she had the authority to approve it."

Call or fax the city of San Rafael and express your disapproval. David Best is a major artist and the City of San Rafael was fortunate to have him take part-
Contact information below

City of San Rafael
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901

Main Fax # (415) 459-2242
_________________________________

ELECTED OFFICIALS



MAYOR ALBERT J. BORO

First elected to Council in 11/87;
elected Mayor in 11/91;
re-elected in 11/95, 11/99 and 11/03.
(Term expires: 11/2007)
(415) 485-3074

COUNCILMEMBER GARY O. PHILLIPS

First appointed to Council in 2/95;
he was then elected to same position in 11/95;
re-elected in 11/99 and 11/03.
(Term expires: 11/2007)
(415) 485-3074


COUNCILMEMBER PAUL M. COHEN

First elected to Council in 11/91;
re-elected in 11/95, 11/99 and 11/03.
(Term expires: 11/2007)
(415) 485-3074
(415) 455-9550 (phone & fax)


VICE-MAYOR BARBARA HELLER

First elected to Council in 11/93;
re-elected in 11/97 and 11/01.
(Term expires: 11/2005)
(415) 485-3074
(415) 457-9820 (phone & fax)


COUNCILMEMBER CYR N. MILLER

First appointed to Council in 6/96;
he was then elected to same position in 11/97 and 11/01.
(Term expires: 11/2005)
(415) 485-3074
(415) 258-9519


GARY T. RAGGHIANTI, Part-time City Attorney

First appointed City Attorney in 11/84;
he was then elected to same position in 11/87.
Has been re-elected every four years.
(Term expires: 11/2007)
(415) 485-3080

Art