Outrage in Des Moines: Artists Fight Back Against Removal of Iconic Pond Art

Des Moines, Iowa – a city known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy. However, a recent decision by a Des Moines arts organization has stirred up controversy and dismay among the local community and art enthusiasts alike. The organization is gearing up to dismantle a trailblazing artwork that adorns a pond in a historic city park, much to the surprise of its creator, New York artist Mary Miss, who crafted the piece decades ago.

The artwork in question, Greenwood Pond: Double Site, is a masterpiece of land art – a genre where artists utilize natural features like rocks, plants, and land formations to create stunning works of art. Mary Miss was invited by the art center in the 1980s to breathe new life into a beloved yet rundown pond nestled in Greenwood Park. Over six years, Miss transformed the site into a mesmerizing wetland sanctuary, complete with walkways, shelters, and viewing platforms that allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Greenwood Pond: Double Site garnered national acclaim for its seamless integration of human-made structures with the existing landscape. Today, it serves as a vital educational tool for students studying landscape art and architecture. However, despite a restoration effort in 2015, the art center has deemed the artwork hazardous in its current state after nearly three decades of existence.

Mary Miss, while acknowledging the need for repairs, has expressed her disappointment at the decision to remove a piece that was intended to be permanent. The announcement of the artwork’s impending demolition has sparked a wave of protest from artists, organizations, and residents of Des Moines who have come together to voice their opposition to the art center’s plans.

Daggett Joiner, a local resident, sees the potential removal of Greenwood Pond: Double Site as a personal loss, echoing the sentiments of many who have formed a strong attachment to the artwork over the years. The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a prominent advocacy group based in Washington, has taken up the cause to preserve Mary Miss’ landmark creation, recognizing its significance in the evolution of the land art movement.

As the debate rages on, the fate of Greenwood Pond: Double Site hangs in the balance, symbolizing a clash between preservation and progress, tradition, and innovation. The outcry surrounding the decision to dismantle this iconic artwork underscores the profound impact that art can have on a community and the importance of safeguarding cultural treasures for future generations to cherish and appreciate.