In what some city workers say is the first demonstration at the new plaza in front of city hall, a group has gathered on International Women’s Day to protest funding spent on the Herbert Dreiseitl water sculpture, saying it could be better spent on women’s issues – supporting, for example, SafeHouse Center, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. A police officer has emerged and has taken down cardboard signs that were tied with string to the sculpture. The protesters – including Alan Haber and Odile Hugonot Haber – remain, holding signs directed at the passing traffic. [photo] [photo] [photo]
Fifth & Huron
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Lets go one better. Let’s take a fraction of the cost and hire a LOCAL artist, of which there are many , to create a work in honor of the victims. Then take the bulk of it and give it to women’s issues.
I so agree with using local talent. Between the K-12 school artists and the university, I bet they could come up with some stunning art that would mean something to the community. Plus, I would love to see public art funded by donations (and I don’t mean taxes). What is wrong with asking local companies to chip into a project that will enhance the community, without sacrificing the services only the city can provide.
Noted Constitutional Law expert our Mayor says we can’t restrict our ‘art buys’ to locals because of the Interstate Commerce Act. But of course, won’t request a written opinion from the Ann Arbor City Attorney to share with the rest of us.
Constitutional Law experts should consider the dictum: “Constitutions are living documents.” ;)