The City of Rocky Mount, NC, is in the market for a new statue of Martin Luther King, Jr., to replace an existing one that has been widely panned for its lack of resemblance to the civil rights leader.
Which raises the question: How do you get rid of a $55,000, 7-foot bronze statue that's outlived its usefulness?
Well ... maybe on eBay.
More of the story, and a photo of the disputed statue, on the flip.
From the Raleigh News and Observer :
The replacement involves touchy questions of aesthetics and icons. And Peter Varney, Rocky Mount's assistant city manager, said the city also must follow state law dealing with disposal of publicly owned property.
He said the city staff is looking at various options including an auction -- perhaps on eBay -- or seeking sealed bids. The staff will present a proposal in the next few weeks to the city council.
[snip]
Critics said the face did not resemble King as they knew him. Facing unhappy residents and a continuing controversy, city officials decided to seek a change. The council instructed staff to come up with proposals for disposing of the statue.
In addition, the council asked Chicago sculptors Anna and Jeffrey Varilla to submit a proposal for a new statue. In a recent meeting, city officials asked the Varillas to come down on the asking price of about $140,000.
Meanwhile, the sculptor of the current statue, Illinois artist Erik Blome, calls the proposals to dispose of his statue an "insult"--and possibly a violation of a federal law that protects artists' rights to their creations.
He said the statue is securely attached to a granite base and could be damaged if improperly handled. He said the city should allow him to remove it and keep it.
"This is a town that doesn't know how to treat artists," he said.
So, kossacks--hope your paypal accounts are charged up....