Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 2:30 PM ��� Updated: Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 3:44 PM
CHATHAM ? Officials and townspeople in the borough are saddened to learn that their first sculpture, Attic Trophy, was vandalized Monday evening in Memorial Park, to the west of the Library of the Chathams, said Mayor Nelson Vaughan on Wednesday.
The sculpture, which is on loan from the Sculpture Foundation, was pushed over on its side and, as a consequence, the sculpture's ankle was fractured. The sculpture depicts a young girl playing with a hula hoop and was originally made possible by a grant from Investor?s Savings Bank and a donation of transportation services by Westy Storage Centers.
Vaughan said he is "stunned and disappointed to see such a troubling act occur in Chatham. She?s become part of our community over the last two years. She?s visible and well-loved by residents.?
Chatham Borough Public Arts Council installed Attic Trophy in 2009. Chairperson Dawn DeSanto says, ?We have received so much positive feedback about Attic Trophy over the years. This one, misguided act of bad judgment is unfortunate and is not representative of our community. We will not let this incident deter us in any way from continuing to bring public art to our town.?
Sculptor Seward Johnson still feels strongly that ?the good outweighs the bad? in terms of keeping art available for the public?s enjoyment.
Director of The Sculpture Foundation Paula Stoeke notes, ?Yes, there is risk involved in bringing art into the streets and parks, but artists who create work for this type of display know that some people will not appreciate the talent and care that goes into the efforts. It is unfortunate, but also rare, that vandalism occurs. My hope is that even the peers of the people who did this will judge the act harshly as they are spoiling something for the whole community. That said, we at the Foundation understand that this is a singular instance, and we look forward to working with the Borough of Chatham in the future.?
The Public Arts Council and the Sculpture Foundation will develop a course of action to repair the sculpture over the next few days.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline 1-973-cop-call (1-973-267-2255). Calls are anonymous, or go to their websites: copcall.org or morriscrimestoppers.org/
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