In September of 1976, a curtain of shimmering white was unfurled across the hills of rural northern California, starting in Sonoma County and running unbroken for 25 miles until it ended in the
sea. The artistic vision of Christo and Jeanne-Claude--known collectively as the Christos--Running Fence was 18 feet high and traversed the private properties of 59 ranchers. Although it
remained in place for just two weeks, the process of planning it consumed nearly four years, and the installation required helicopters, barges, lawyers, and more than 300 Bay Area students and
volunteers. This beautiful book, companion volume to the exhibit of the same name, tells the complete story of this legendary art installation. Illustrated throughout with graphic
representations and stunning photographs, Christo and Jeanne-Claude recounts how two artists who were complete strangers to the area gradually enlisted the support of entire communities
in order to make their vision a reality. Brian O'Doherty's insightful essay introduces the artists and their work, while additional remembrances by Smithsonian staffers and the Christos'
California attorney provide as full an experience of Running Fence as is possible, short of actually having been there.
