‘Mindless vandalism’: Penticton public art stolen and damaged

A pair of statues that are part of Penticton's annual public art exhibition have been vandalized and the RCMP is investigating.

One of the statues installed along Okanagan Lake in Penticton was stolen and another damaged, according to a City of Penticton media release.

Coquitlam artist Serge Mozhnesky's Wish to Fly was torn off its pedestal and Ron Simmons' GIGASPIDER was damaged.

The city's general manager of community services calls the acts of vandalism "extremely disappointing."

“The artists put a lot of effort into their works and now someone has robbed the public of a chance to enjoy that creativity," Anthony Haddad said in the release.

This is the seventh year for the Penticton Public Sculpture Exhibition on the waterfront.

“These creations belong to the artists, with the City of Penticton leasing them for one year to provide a showcase for them, and provides residents and visitors with a different visual element,” Haddad said.

“Mindless vandalism steals from the artists and all those who enjoy the art. It’s frustrating someone felt the need to do this but the program will continue to provide a stage for public art.”

Anybody with information about the theft and vandalism is asked to contact the RCMP.

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