Ars Gratia Artis. To quote Leo, the Metro Goldwyn Mayer lion, that bit of Latin means "art for art's sake." And, to quote the '60s songster Donovan, "I'm just mad about Saffron."

In Central Park, "whose 843 acres are the ultimate locale for walking at leisure," the artists Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude, have exemplified "art for art's sake" in saffron-colored splendor. Christened "The Gates, Project for Central Park, New York, 1979-2005," the two artists and hundreds of employees have erected 7500 orange frames, and draped them with matching fabric that shimmers in the sunlight.

Why the saffron hue? Whether or not Jeanne-Claude's titian tinted locks were the inspiration, that lively tangerine color is as bright and refreshing as a Creamsicle, the perfect contrast to the muted grays and browns of February.

In the course of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's partnership, they have wrapped the Reichstag, planted giant blue umbrellas in Japan, surrounded islands in Biscayne Bay and now, after a 26-year effort, they have realized 23 miles of The Gates, following the serpentine footpaths of Central Park from the Plaza Hotel to Harlem.

All of which begs the question, "Why?"

This is a big ticket project, and the artists are, as always, picking up the tab, to the tune of $20 million, including any additional police hours. Even the proceeds from the inevitable books and souvenirs go to charity, in this case Nurture New York's Nature. No profit, no deals. No future displays either.

The Gates will be up for only 16 days and then they will be dismantled and the materials recycled. This is as pure a form of art for art's sake as we are likely to see in a profit-driven world.

Why spend $20 million, plus time and resources on environmental art that is displayed for only a few days? If for nothing else, it seems to make everybody pretty happy.

There are 58 miles of pedestrian paths in Central Park, graced until February 27 with a flowing river of orange. Walking a few of them last week, on a wonderfully warm tease-of-spring day, the morning following the Westminster Dog Show, it was Wednesday in the Park with Dogs. They frolicked and fetched and met new people. Children spilled out of school busses to seize the day and experience the intentionally temporary Gates, small groups spoke in various languages about the project, plentiful and pleasant "Gatekeeper" docents were readily available. People crisscrossed the Park under miles of glowing, flowing fabric, seven feet overhead, and went about their lives. Not one baby wailed. It was an idyllic urban scene and absolutely true.

The Gates represent joy and hope and promise. Perhaps it's Christo and Jeanne-Claude's gift to a battered world. Considering the money and effort routinely spent on destruction and mayhem, The Gates value is immeasurable.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the Walking Example Group (WE-GO) a non-profit organization encouraging walking and walkable communities. Visit their website at www.we-go.org.