[CPProt.net] Colorado: Fish sculpture stolen overnight in Bemidji

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Fish sculpture stolen overnight in Bemidji

By Susanne Nadeau

Herald Staff Writer


"Busby's Walleye, " an irreplaceable sculpture on display in the city of
Bemidji, was stolen overnight, according to authorities. The sculpture,
estimated to be worth well over $100, 000, had stood on Fourth and Bemidji
Avenue, in front of Freeberg & Grund Inc., for five years. Marty and Dr.
James Busby donated it to the arts council in 2000. "

Busby's Walleye" was commissioned piece created for the Busbys in 1998 by
artist Lyle Nichols, from Palisade, Colo. 


The metal sculpture of a walleye about three feet long and 10 inches high,
according to Suzi Ross, executive director of the Bemidji Community Arts
Council. It weighs about 40 to 50 lbs.

Right now, metal artwork by Nichols is selling for $100,000, while stone
artwork by the artist is being sold at about $500,000, Ross said.

The arts council in Bemidji also has a stone sculpture by Nichols, the
"Victorian Street Lamp," which is housed inside Bemidji City Hall.

The walleye sculpture was under careful watch, as it had been loosened from
its base in the last few weeks, Ross said.

"We welded it back on tightly," she said. "I don't know if there was
anything else we could do." Although no suspects in the theft have been
named, Ross said she hopes it was just a prank and that the sculpture finds
its way back to the arts council.

"We're working hard to bring art to the public; that's our big focus," she
said. "When we get it back, we will probably end up putting it inside, which
is really unfortunate, because I do believe art should be accessible to
everybody."

If you have any information about this stolen sculpture, notify the Bemidji
Police Department immediately at (218) 751-9111, or call the Bemidji
Community Arts Council at (218) 444-7570.

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