NPAC Memorial Park Public Art Sculpture Vandalized, Set to Relocate

The illuminated Pegasus public art sculpture, installed at Memorial Park last month, suffered damage earlier this month. The sculpture will soon be relocated to the public art space outside the Newberg Public library, facing the Chehalem Cultural Center.

The damage consists of three indentations on the rear side of the Pegasus, likely caused by a ball-peen hammer, according to Terry Emery, chair of the Newberg Public Art Council (NPAC). The Pegasus sculpture was crafted by Santa Cruz-based artist Vanessa Stafford, utilizing clay, chicken wire armature, acrylic paints, plexiglass, fiberglass, epoxy, and LED lights. The sculpture’s lights are solar-powered.

“The artist spent hours of their time to create this wonderful piece of art and it is very disappointing to have someone in our community vandalize it,” said NPAC chair Terry Emery. “We hope all members of our community will truly embrace and enjoy the artwork, and have everyone work together to help preserve the sculptures.”

Emery stated that the vandalism has prompted NPAC to reconsider material specifications for future installations. While the Pegasus could withstand the elements and display a spectrum of colors on its back, it proved vulnerable to vandalism. In contrast, the bronze mouse at Butler Square is resilient to both weather and vandalism.

“It’s unfortunate because one of the wonderful aspects of art is the use of various materials,” said Emery, who employs various media herself to craft sculptures. “Bronzes are incredibly durable, but their cost has skyrocketed, resulting in fewer productions. Steel and concrete are alternatives, but they too can be damaged with enough effort.”

_{The two current NPAC public art installments.}

Emery said NPAC is in contact with the artist and intends to patch the damage with a matching resin in Newberg instead of sending the sculpture back to Stafford in Santa Cruz, Calif. The lights went out around the time the damage was discovered, possibly due to vandalism or a malfunction in the inner wiring.

Although NPAC has not filed a police report regarding the vandalism, they encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident to report it to the police, aiming to protect future public art installations. The sculpture is scheduled to be moved to the library location after the Christmas holiday.

Learn more about the Newberg Public Art Council at their website.