Things don’t look good for the whale tail, the popular Art In Place sculpture that was damaged in last week’s storm. #
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
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Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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As a WT neighbor on the other side of the bridge, I would happily try to raise money from the Dairy-Rugby Association to repair or replace Givens’ work. The fund begins with my $500.
I was just down in Charlottesville this past weekend, and I was amazed at the damage from the storm. Reminded me of when Hurricane Isabel rushed through town. And the University clearly took a big hit from it. I can only imagine how long clean-up is going to take, including getting power back to everyone.
CR,
I was in South Florida alongside the ocean when hurricane Wilma came through, first blowing west, then east.
Before the eye, it blew my parked rental Toyota sideways. After the eye, it deposited the adjacent Thunderbird atop mine, totalling a brand new Toyota.
In a parking lot perpendicular to that one, 11 large cars and SUVs were pushed and squeezed tightly together.
18 hours later it took an hour to drive 10 miles due to debris on every street.
With all that, our tree damage here Thursday from a brief micro burst was worse, probably because Wilma was a ground wind, the micro burst was elevated.
Regardless of the cost, I want another damn whale tail by the side of the road. Fit this at once.
Well, I am glad the city did not buy it for the crazy price that sculptor was asking. All you had to do was look at its construction to see it would not survive the rigors of winter and summer freezing and expanding and contracting. I did not even think about tornados.
I like it and all, but cap that like at 3K a year.
I liked the whale tale better before it was stained and the driftwood (aka wake) added around the base.
But, even still, I love this piece of art and always look for it. My little (under 10 years) kids look for it too, as it is to them a landmark muck like those I spotted from the back-seat of the Olds wagon my mom steered around town in the 70s.
Perhaps the folks in charge of such things should invite the artist to install the sort of new and improved version mentioned in the article.
I’m with danpri on this one. It was obvious from 50 feet and 25 mph that the whale tail was not well made and not likely to survive for long. Spanish cedar is what cigar boxes are made from. It is rot resistant, but about as structurally solid as styrofoam and easily carvable with a fingernail.
Of course there is also the issue of the thing being pretty lame art. If we are going to have a sculpture inspired by a dorm room poster on that spot, I’d much rather have it be four dogs playing poker.