SAPD: Sculpture Stolen from Sunken Garden

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and the San Angelo Police Department are seeking information regarding the recent theft of a sculpture from Sunken Garden Park (South Abe Street and Avenue D). The sculpture, by Wesley Blossom of Gunnison, Colorado, is on loan from the artist to the museum and was displayed in the park with the cooperation of the City of San Angelo and the Public Art Commission.

According to a press release, the steel sculpture, titled “Life Aquatic,” is a detailed depiction of a fish swimming among aquatic plants and a partially submerged log. The fish was removed from the sculpture’s base with a pair of wire cutters or bolt cutters, sometime early last week or before. The artist describes the fish, which took over four months to create, as the central element or the “spirit” of the sculpture. As a one-of-a-kind piece, it cannot be replaced. Blossom, along with the museum, hopes for the safe return of the stolen piece.

“There is always risk involved in displaying art in public places,” says Howard Taylor, director of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. “We and the artists understand that but we still choose to display these unique works for everyone to see and enjoy. That said, we are deeply disappointed and the artist is heartbroken over this theft, which also robs the community of the opportunity to enjoy the art. We are hopeful that the people of San Angelo can help us get the sculpture back.”

If you have any information that could lead to the recovery of the sculpture, please call Police Dispatch at (325) 657-4315, or to remain anonymous, tip online at http://bit.ly/SAPDTips247 or by text: text TIP SAPD to 888777 and follow the prompts.