COLORADO SPRINGS – The snipe that was stolen from a downtown Colorado Springs statue, then returned, has finally been repaired and reinstalled, AND it brought friends.
The small sculpture, made of interconnected wires, is part of the larger display known as “You, Light as a Cloud,” was ripped from its display in mid-February.
After possibly the only successful snipe hunt in history, the metal bird was found and on April 4th, repaired by its creator.
Byeong Doo Moon, an artist from South Korea, was initially shocked by the destruction of his piece that he had spent months creating.
However, after an outpouring of hundreds of letters from the Colorado Springs community expressing support and grief over the sculptures theft and mutilation, Byeong Doo Moon, decided something must be done.
Inspired by the incoming support, the artist created four new birds, a flock, to join the display.
“He said, I would like to construe this as the snipe having flown away for a little bit, he’s on vacation,” relayed Claire Swinford, director of urban engagement for the Downtown Partnership.
On April 4th, all the new additions and the repaired snipe were installed at the downtown sculpture, bringing it new life.
According to the Downtown Partnership, the display, part of the Art on the Streets program, was slated to leave this May; however, it’s now staying for another year at the request of its creator.
The display is one of two sculptures made by Byeong Doo Moon currently situated downtown, the other is the metal deer titled, “I have been dreaming to be a tree.”
Click the links to learn more about Byeong Doo Moon and Art on the Streets.
