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Hayden OKs Art, Haters Attack

This conceptual, photoshopped rendering shows the model of Epiphany that appears in the Hayden City Council's packet. Artist Michael Horswill would like to qualify that this is a model, smaller and less detailed than the final sculptures will be. (Courtesy rendering via Coeur d'Alene Press)

It's not just a multi-colored Plexiglas head, it's an "Epiphany." The Hayden City Council on Tuesday night approved a large piece of public art that will be built near the Hayden Library. The central sculpture, titled "Epiphany," is a human head made of steel and colorful Plexiglas, creating a stained-glass effect. It will be located just off Government Way on a narrow strip of property owned by the Hayden Library and bordering the Peak Tennis Center. "The face will glow in the evening with light that gradually changes colors, signifying an active mind," the artist, Hayden resident Michael Horswill, wrote in a Feb. 23 letter to Mayor Ron McIntire and the city council/David Cole, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Dissenting Opinion: In the comments thread under this Coeur d'Alene Press story, several pseudonymous people took issue with this public art, including Hayden Joe: "It's not going to be the most popular, probably, for a lot of people," Timmins said. "But, you know, it's what the public needs." Oh Brother! Ding-Dong! It's rainbow colored. Get it people? Like the Rainbow Bridge in the CDA Park. It would have been Politically Incorrect to say no to this, "symbol." " this is a model, smaller and less detailed than the final sculptures will be." Oh, goody. It will be even larger than what is depicted in the photo. Makes me want to go put on my tu-tu and prance through the park. And for the record. I'm actually OK with some public art, but lets reflect known history and culture and how about some public representation in its selection? And lets keep Political Correctness OUT of the decision. These non-Public Servants never cease to amaze.

DFO: I remarked to Mrs. O on our way home from church in Hayden Sunday how much the city of Hayden has improved as a result of infrastructure upgrade along Government Way, construction of quality business buildings, and a refurbished City Hall. Public Art will add to the process. Hayden now has a community feel with an evolving "downtown." H/T to Mayor Ron McIntire & the City Council members and staff who made it possible. Thoughts?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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