Downtown sunflower sculpture vandalized
If you have driven down Main Street heading toward East Street, then you may have seen a 12-foottall sunflower pole in the median strip north of the Wiseman Building just before the train tracks.
The pole looks similar to when it was first sprouted, but upon further inspection, you can see that one of the four original sunflowers is gone.
The sunflower pole, created by Woodland artist Kent Smith, is a part of the city’s “Bee City USA” program to raise awareness and enhance habitats for bees and other pollinators. The project has recently seen some new plants and mulch placed at various downtown Main Street intersections.
Bee City Affiliates and cities commit to creating and enhancing pollinator habitat on public and private land by increasing the abundance of native plants, incorporate pollinator-conscious practices into city policies and plans, establish a standing Bee City USA committee to advocate for pollinators and raise awareness and enhance habitats of bees and pollinators within Woodland, according to their website.
The city of Woodland has been designated as an official “Bee City” since January 2019.
“On one hand, it makes me mad, and on the other hand, it makes me sad that people need to go steal stuff that was made for everyone,” Smith said. “I noticed it was missing early last week. I let the city of Woodland know, and they said that they were aware of it a week before that, so it has been gone for about two to three weeks.”
Smith, who was hired by the city to for the project also has other art around town including three pieces of metal artwork at 625 Court Street where Gallery 625 is located, the artwork on the boxes in front of Corner Drug on Main Street, and the painted utility boxes behind Morgan’s on Main.
“Woodland is lucky to have local artistic talent like that of Kent Smith’s and hope that support amongst our community for public art continues to grow so that future art projects can be envisioned and enjoyed by all,” said Business Engagement & Marketing Manager for the city Stephanie Burgos. “While the vandalism on Smith’s artwork is unfortunate, the message behind the sculpture remains — this vibrant sunflower sign showcases our City’s commitment to supporting our pollinators and provides a warm welcome into Downtown
Woodland.”
Smith is unsure if another flower will be added to replace the missing one, either by him or another artist.