Controversial sculpture in Adrian to be relocated

'Blue Human Condition' sculpture

ADRIAN — As a result of numerous discussions and correspondence sent to the city about "Blue Human Condition," the controversial sculpture will be relocated to Yew Park.

“I want to personally thank the many people in the community who provided input to City Hall. Public input supports government transparency and improves decision making. I recognize there are likely to be people on both sides of the issue who are not satisfied, but I believe this decision provides an appropriate resolution,” City Administrator Shane Horn stated online in a message to residents posted on the city's Web site.

Yew Park is located on Winter Street just north of Maumee Street in downtown Adrian. The site was chosen for the sculpture because it allows "Blue Human Condition" to remain accessible to any citizen who makes the choice to visit the park. The sculpture was to be moved from its present location today, but the rain has put a damper on those plans, Mr. Horn said in an interview.

The statue was placed at its current site near the local library, the city hall, and the police station last week, and reaction was swift with some residents speaking out about what they viewed as sexual innuendo of the group of seven figures that appear to be leaning on each other, Mr. Horn said. A few of the positions make it appear to some people, according to comments, that the heads on the sculpture are strategically located in a sexual sort of way.

A tarp covered the sculpture as the city sought additional comments, and as soon as it was covered, the other side of the table spoke up, Mr. Horn said, with comments relating to censorship and to limits being placed on art. The majority of the response since the sculpture was covered has been in favor of displaying the sculpture that was selected by a volunteer committee as part of several pieces of art that are to be displayed for a year in the city, he said.

On Sunday, someone cut ropes tying down the tarp, and Mr. Horn removed the cover so that it didn't blow into the street and cause a hazard.

Moving the sculpture to Yew Park was decided as the best option to resolve any issues or concerns. If people want to view the sculpture they can go there; if they do not want to see it, they do not have to spend time at the park, he said.

The sculpture will be moved as soon as weather permits.

— Janet Romaker