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CLOUDY Temp: 51 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, June 20, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 15, 2003 Sculpture stolen again in Grants Pass park By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune GRANTS PASS — Sculptor Peter Sedlow has a determined but unwanted collector. For the second time in a month, one of Sedlow’s bronze otter sculptures has been stolen from its mounting at Tussing Park. "The second time, I just let out a yell," said Sedlow. "We are just so sad about this whole thing. People are going to be outraged." "Outrage" certainly describes the feelings of First Evergreen Bank President Brady Adams. Advertisement In less than 24 hours after the second theft, Adams raised $10,000 in reward money, took out full-page ads in a local newspaper and paid for 350 radio commercials. "I’m not a person who gets mad really easily, but there comes a point where you have to take a stand," said Adams. "This is too good a community for this to happen." The vertical sculpture, entitled "Wotter Follies," depicts a pair of frolicking otters twining around an underwater tree limb. Just last month, Adams paid $2,000 to replace the 2-foot-tall, 25-pound sculpture. Adams says he will replace this one as well. "I’m going to dedicate a lot of energy and effort to bring this person to justice," said Adams — who recently installed several pairs of Sedlow’s bigger-than-life bronze bears at four of his Southern Oregon banks and another pair at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center. About eight months ago, another of Sedlow’s sculptures was stolen from Tussing Park — located near the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Rogue River by the All Sports Park. The heisted 3-foot, 60-pound salmon sculpture was replaced and the new one remains on display, thanks to a more secure base, Sedlow said. The smaller vertical otter sculpture, although secured in two locations, was more vulnerable to theft. A pin secured the larger otter’s foot to its rock base and the bronze branch was set into the base by epoxy. The thief chiseled away a section of the rock base to free the sculpture, said Sedlow. "This is a sweet sculpture and a special piece for us," Sedlow said. "We got calls (Wednesday) morning from people letting us know how bad they feel." The cost to replace the otters is $2,000. Sedlow makes no money on the replacements and says he hopes the city will not give up on displaying art. Adams says no one is thinking about giving up. The sculptures are part of Grants Pass’ public art collection, he said. "I haven’t talked to one person who hasn’t been outraged at this event," he said. "We’re not going to let this person win." Police are asking anyone with information to call the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-474-6370. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times