Concerns over racial representation has led to the removal of a 13-foot crow statue in Chatham’s Zonta Park.
The wooden sculpture of a Crowfest mascot Russell the Crow was removed earlier this week, less than two months after the art piece was installed by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Eric Labadie, CK’s manager of corporate communications, said the local community had raised concerns that the statue did not represent the importance of Zonta Park and its significance as part of a historically Black neighbourhood.
“Based on what we’ve heard, the decision has been made by municipal staff to remove the statue,” Labadie. “Going forward, when public art is considered for this park or any other sites with significant local history, consultation will take place in advance to ensure that important historical connections are highlighted and celebrated.”
Installed in late October, the crow statue was carved by Bothwell native Mike Winia and was meant to the be the first of a series of crow statues placed throughout downtown Chatham.
The statue was paid for through the Councillor Ward Funding Program and came at no cost to taxpayers. The program enables councillors or the mayor to invest in arts, culture, or recreation projects thanks to an annual $1 million grant from Hydro One.
