Menomonie Sculpture

To be approved Monday - A Call to Action

Is this sculpture coming in June to Menomonie?

From the upcoming City Council agenda packet for “discussion and possible motion of action:”

I object.

Art is not NEUTRAL. It isn’t meant to be.

Art is used to express all kinds of agendas and feelings. Some of those feelings we don’t want our kids looking at as they drive by Sanna Park on the way to the library.

Here are the pictures of the “art” selected by this group that is currently around town in Eau Claire.

It is a mixed bag. Most of it is modern. Most looks harmless. Some is even fun and interesting. Some looks like it is saying something religious in a language we do not speak.

Here is the link to the River Falls “art” provided by this same group.

I am not objecting to the art pieces going on private land. Take that up with the land owners. But who decides which art pieces go on public land in Menomonie? Probably not someone who shares conservative “family values.”

Will people on this art committee in Eau Claire get to put whatever “art” they want on the main drag of HWY 25 for the foreseeable future?

That is a lot of power. Art has power. It is not neutral.

This is my daughter and I in by a playground in St. Louis, MO. That is the “art” that a deal like this got them. We are smiling in the picture but that thing seemed VERY creepy to me. And by a playground.

Let’s look again at the River Falls installation. Thanks Sculpture Tour Eau Claire! Thanks Explore Menomonie! Thanks Menomonie City Council!

Deep breath.

OK, unless enough public objection is raised, this is likely to get rubber stamped at the Menomonie City Council meeting Monday at 7 PM in City Hall. Those meetings are open to the public now and you can speak at Public Comment for up to three minutes on any item on the agenda.

Here is the agenda and info.

Here is a ward map so you know who represents you. Odd numbered Alderpersons are up for reelection next year and so might be more willing to listen to you than those just elected this spring.

Here is how you contact your Alderperson.

BY THE WAY - they will also be discussing how to fill the empty Ward 7 Alderperson seat at this meeting, if anyone is interested.

So this is a Call to Action! I respectfully say to you that if you do not at least try to raise your voice and stop this now, then every time you drive by this art on public land you can tell yourself . . .

This isn’t Eau Claire.