GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.,–An ArtPrize controversy took center stage again Tuesday as artist Dave Dodde had the chance to show his piece ‘Fleurs et riviere’ for the last time in a very special way.
Dodde was asked to take down the magnets on the downtown Calder statue last Wednesday by the city. It was at the request of the Calder Foundation, who didn’t want the foam magnets of flowers and leaves on the structure.
The city originally said the pieces needed to come off by Friday but after word spread to the mayor’s office Dodde was allowed to keep it up a few days longer.
Grand Rapids mayor George Heartwell says it was brought to his attention that Dodde’s son’s class had a field trip planned for next Tuesday to see the piece, and let the art work stay.
Dodde’s 17-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome, beamed ear-to-ear as he showed his classmates around the piece Tuesday. Dodde says despite what has happened he still feels successful and couldn’t be more thankful for the support the community has shown him.
Dodde will officially decommission the work at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
RELATE STORY: http://fox17online.com/2013/09/25/fleurs-et-riviere-to-be-decommissioned/
