COEUR D’ALENE -- A North Idaho man is petitioning Coeur d’Alene city leaders to remove a statue he calls “evil.”
The controversial Hindu statue is part of the Sidewalk Art Program. An interpretation of the Hindu god Ganesha stands six feet high at the intersection of Sherman and 6th in Coeur d’Alene. The statue shows the deity with four arms and an elephant’s head.
“It’s a piece of art, it’s meant to incite conversation and expose people to different cultures,” said statue creator Rick Davis.
Others in Coeur d’Alene vehemently disagree.
“It simply has ties to Hitler, racism, and the whole thing that went on,” said Ron Vander Griend.
He told KREM 2 News he finds the statue offensive. Vander Griend’s so irritated that he even started a petition to remove the sidewalk art. He already collected more than 100 signatures.
The city installed 15 art pieces this spring. Yet, no other piece seems to be sparking outrage.
“I really like the art's that's here,” said Vander Griend, "but this one, does not belong here."
City leaders did not install the piece to stir up controversy. The mayor said the art is only meant to be appreciated.
"We all need to be tolerant of the views of other people,” said Mayor Sandi Bloem, “that's what makes us a great nation."
David said he doesn’t mind the controversy. The artist chalks the entire dispute up to good publicity.
"It feels great,” exclaimed David, “I mean I couldn't buy this kind of attention.”
The Hindu statue is on loan for the next year. The city program displays art in public places to help the local artists sell their work.
