"Running Fence" was a landmark environmental art project by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, realized between 1972 and 1976. This ambitious installation involved the creation of a 24.5-mile-long fence made of white nylon fabric that extended across the rolling hills of Sonoma and Marin Counties in Northern California, ultimately descending into the Pacific Ocean.

The concept for "Running Fence" began in 1972, and it was designed to interact with the landscape, highlighting its natural contours and emphasizing the undulating topography. The fence was 18 feet high and consisted of 2,050 panels of fabric, each held up by steel poles and cables. The materials used in this project included 2050 steel poles, 90 miles of steel cable, and 2 million square feet of fabric, which were specially chosen to create a delicate yet striking visual effect against the natural backdrop (The Art Story) (Artnet News).

The realization of "Running Fence" was a monumental effort that involved extensive collaboration and negotiation. Christo and Jeanne-Claude needed to obtain permission from 59 ranchers whose land the fence would cross, as well as from numerous local, state, and federal agencies. The project required 18 public hearings and three court cases before it could proceed, demonstrating the artists’ persistence and dedication. The installation of the fence was completed with the help of hundreds of workers, including construction professionals, art students, and local volunteers (Artnet News) (Kaldor Art Projects).

"Running Fence" was completed and unveiled on September 10, 1976. The fence remained in place for just 14 days, during which it attracted thousands of visitors who came to experience the unique interplay of art and environment. The fabric panels created a dynamic visual effect as they interacted with the wind and light, transforming the landscape and offering a new perspective on the familiar terrain (Artnet News) (Kaldor Art Projects).

The significance of "Running Fence" extends beyond its visual impact. It represents a profound exploration of the relationship between art, landscape, and community. The project was entirely self-financed by Christo and Jeanne-Claude through the sale of preparatory sketches and models, maintaining their artistic independence. The project also required the artists to engage deeply with the local community and navigate complex bureaucratic processes, highlighting their ability to merge artistic vision with practical execution (The Art Story) (Kaldor Art Projects).

"Running Fence" remains one of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s most iconic works, celebrated for its bold vision and the way it transformed the landscape temporarily, leaving a lasting impression on both the art world and the communities it touched.