New Meets Old. Uh-Oh.

by on May 31, 2010

Wow!  The installation of this abstract sculpture by Bill Robinson has caused quite a controversy amongst Yakima residents; it has been considered “too modern” for its placement on North Front Street, in Historic Downtown Yakima.  The large granite coil has now been in place for several months, so I decided to ask the opinions of my readers via Facebook.  I was honestly astonished by the number of comments I received, as well as the extreme and varying viewpoints.  Continue below, to get a taste of both sides…


Lisa W. – “Art is not meant to appeal to everyone. It adds more to downtown than having nothing at all. What’s wrong with mixing historic and new things together? Yakima is a mixture of cultures, might as well have a mixture of art work. Support downtown!!”
Tracy C. – “Like it, but in front of The Depot is not the right place for it! Poor poor planning!!”
Betsy M. – “I personally am not a fan of “modern art” that doesn’t really look like anything. With all the work that Yakima has put into a Historic Downtown feel, why would they place a piece of modern art instead of a more traditional sculpture?”
Chandra W. – “Phallic pieces.”

Julie P. – “Art is art. Some people like it, some don’t. Either way, I’m all for sprucing up Yakima. And the people who see it as sexual….puh-leeze.”


Gay D. – “Love it. The piece was donated. The committee (The Giving Circle) worked hard to get it here, it would look great anywhere and Front Street is lucky to get it.”
Jean L. – “I like this piece! Art doesn’t need to go with the surroundings. It you match the art to the surroundings in the same style it just blends in and no one notices it! Be appreciative that you have art to look at.”
Darcy T. – “…It’s MODERN art in the HISTORIC part of Yakima! That’s worse than wearing polka-dots and stripes!!!!…”
Jodi P. – “I like the juxtaposition of the old (train station) and the new (sculpture) against one another. It is great that it is by a Northwest artist too. In bringing Yakima into the future and creating a vibrant Downtown you need both old and new side by side. Public art is meant to engage you in your surroundings and I would say this piece is very successful in that.”

A big THANK YOU to everyone who engaged in this conversation on Facebook.  To view all comments, click here.

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