Dragon Festival comments on "Meditation" vandalism
August 3, 2008
We are very fortunate to have a city that supports the rich and diverse cultures of its residents, and that understands that art does not belong in museums alone. Dragon Festival totally supports the mission of Public Art St. Paul which places works of art in public places, such as that of Master Lei Xiyin's Meditation.
We regret there are individuals who cannot value the statue not only as a great artistic work but also as a bridge to cultural understanding. The Dragon Festival's mission is to support unity within diversity and we will continue to work toward peaceful coexistence and mutual acceptance of our differences. This incident has only served to remind the Dragon Festival Board of the increased importance of our mission. We are also grateful for the support and leadership that Public Art and the East Side community have shown in restoring the statue to its original splendor and to prevent such incidents in the future.
East Side Arts Council and Public Art Saint Paul Respond to
Phalen Park Hate Crimes
St. Paul Art and Cultural Organizations Plan Community-Wide Healing Event
to Restore Key Sculpture
St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 1, 2008 – The East Side Arts Council and Public Art Saint Paul announced plans today to repair the Phalen Park sculpture, Meditation, in response to hate crimes that occurred in the park on July 12, 2008. Public Art Saint Paul owns the sculpture by Chinese artist Lei Yixin that was created through the 2006 International Stone Carving Symposium, Minnesota Rocks!
“Citizens and organizations of the Phalen Park neighborhood are devastated by the appalling vandalism that occurred in Phalen Park,” said Sarah Fehr, Executive Director of the East Side Arts Council. “Public Art Saint Paul, District 5 Planning Council, East Side Neighborhood Development Corporation and many others are joining with us to collectively restore Meditation to its beautiful presence as a symbol of peace and tranquility for residents of St. Paul’s East Side.”
A community healing event on Friday, Aug. 15 will begin the restoration efforts. Details to follow in the coming weeks.
The following organizations are contributing to Meditation restoration and community awareness efforts surrounding the vandalism: East Side Arts Council, Public Art Saint Paul, East Side Neighborhood Development Company, Dragon Festival Committee, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, East Side Peacemakers and District 5 Planning Council.
The investigation for the Phalen Park hate crimes is currently open. Images of the Meditation statue are available upon request.
Sarah Fehr
East Side Arts Council
(651) 774-5422 office