Chief Koval requested it. Apparently art deigned to engage the public is attracting the wrong type of public and now its bad art to be removed. Note to artists: Your art must only attract the approved kind of people. The second piece of City installed art ever to be decommissioned if I have my facts correct. No public discussion, no public input, just gone!
For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Crawley
August 10, 2015 608-266-4611Stones at Philosopher’s Grove to be Removed
At the request of City of Madison Police, Mayor Paul Soglin has instructed City staff to remove the granite and bronze stones from the area in the 100 block of Mifflin Street known as Philosopher’s Grove. Police officials have reported that the matter is one of public safety. Officers have had increasing calls to the area for numerous violations ranging from vandalism and fights, to the sale of illegal narcotics and assaults.
“While I appreciate the continued efforts of the State Street BID to plan events in the area, there continue to be many complaints and concerns raised by business owners, visitors and residents,” said Mayor Soglin. “It is really unfortunate that this step is needed as these stones, created by local Wisconsin artist Jill Sebastian, are part of a piece of art which have been part of the grove for over ten years. The City intends to work with the artist to determine an alternative location for their installation, so that the work will continue to be a celebrated and an important part of the City’s public art collection.”
The stones will be removed this week.
Put the stones next to the mural underneath the Mistake on the lake.
Irving, you little dickens! 😀 <3