City ‘Fire Flower’ sculpture vandalized

December 2, 2020 4:30 pm
A city owned sculpture at the former Farmers property at 3033 77th Ave. SE was vandalized at the end of November, according to Mercer Island City Manager Jessi Bon. Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island
A city owned sculpture at the former Farmers property at 3033 77th Ave. SE was vandalized at the end of November, according to Mercer Island City Manager Jessi Bon. Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island

Staff Report

A city owned sculpture at the former Farmers property at 3033 77th Ave. SE was vandalized sometime between the dates of Nov. 23-24, according to the Mercer Island Police Department.

At the Dec. 1 Mercer Island City Council meeting, City Manager Jessi Bon said that it appeared the vandals attempted to steal the bronze sculpture called “Fire Flower.” The base is completely destroyed and there are several saw cuts in the sculpture.

The sculpture is insured and the city is working on a restoration plan with the Arts Council in the coming months.

An employee located in the old Farmers building reported the vandalism to the police department. Ryan Companies moved the sculpture to its loading dock for safe storage.