Artists outraged by removal of groundbreaking work along Des Moines pond
A Des Moines arts organization is preparing to rip out a roughly 30-year-old artwork that lines a beloved pond in a historic city park, outraging arts advocates nationally and surprising local residents
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Des Moines arts organization is preparing to rip out a groundbreaking artwork that lines a pond in a historic city park, surprising the New York artist who created the work decades ago and leading to an outpouring of opposition by other artists and local residents.
The decision to remove the work — a series of walkways, shelters and viewing sites called Greenwood Pond: Double Site designed by artist Mary Miss — has outraged arts advocates nationally and surprised local residents, who have grown accustomed to meandering through the site. But the Des Moines Art Center, which oversees the artwork, said the largely wooden structures need repairs costing $2.6 million, and future maintenance would cost millions more.
Art Center Director Kelly Baum said there is no way to raise enough money to pay for the work, so demolition will begin this spring.
“It’s difficult and it’s challenging and it’s very, very unfortunate for me, for the board, for the staff and for the city, and I know for Mary,” Baum said.
