Where should the sculpture go?

Brookfield officials are debating whether this sculpture, which is now is a secluded area on the library grounds, should be moved to a location where more people can see it. The Friends of the Brookfield Public Library want to move the sculpture to a spot along Calhoun Road, but Mayor Jeff Speaker and others oppose putting it there, saying it would become the "butt of jokes."

We want to know what you think. Do you like this piece of art? Should it be displayed in a more prominent location, or should it remain hidden from the public?

Read Comments

Milwaukee is getting a Fonzie statue. Mayor Speaker must be so jealous.

- Brad, Tosa

After reading about the sculpture, I drove today to see it for myself. It is certainly hidden from view! I believe it should be moved to the location on Calhoun Road for the enjoyment of those who appreciate it.

- Mary, Elm Grove

Inspired art and design is a benefit to any community. If only 5-10% of the community is in favor of this particular art ... A greater question that would inspire our community is what theme or message do we want our children to know about Brookfield 30 years from now. Lets work towards using a set of art pieces to tell a story or a message. "One" piece by itself with no particular message does little to nothing for me and I do not see the benefit to this community to move it.

- Paul Behling, Brookfield

Leave the statute stay, this whole 'ban the statute' thing is reminiscent of the movie "Fahrenheit 451" where books were burned.

I have a feeling that these same people who would ban freedom of speech or expression, would also get mad if separation of church and state were strictly enforced as the condition would have it.

People, when America is no longer, you can sit and think real hard about how you attacked other Americans by ignoring the law of the land, which is the US Constitution.

- B.C., Watertown, WI

Brookfield residents have long had to deal with the mis-guided concept that fake 2 story facades on businesses is a good thing. I was not aware the local political machine had a degree in architecture or design.

I think political officials should try and run the city instead of trying to tell us what they do or do not want to see? Art is for the people and should be displayed so it can be seen by all.

- steve cybell, brookfield, wi

I think the city should have it painted a deep blue. Most everyone I know likes blue.

- Thom, Milwaukee

I've been waiting 44 years for brookfield to show some class and then the mayor wants a sculpture of a old man reading to some kids outside the library.I think its time to show some class and get rid of the stilted thinking of our mayor and plan commissioners. that would show class.
and keep the Gido Brink where it can be enjoyed and lets keep the but of jokes where they belong at city hall.

- gregg klees, brookfield

I am forced to look at strip malls, shopping centers, fast food restaurants and other "junk buildings" as I drive (or crawl) along a long stretch of Bluemound Road. Being able to see some art in Brookfield would be a welcome sight.

- Michael Wolf, Wauwatosa,WI

I would be proud to have this piece of art displayed in a prominent location. We should be sharing this unique work with all of the residents by making it more visible.

- Susan Kurtz, Brookfield, WI

Put it on Calhoun - refurbished, it will be a wonderful addition to a road I use frequently!

- J Gill, New Berlin, WI

I read with interest your story on the scupture that the library wants to relocate along Calhoun Road.

I strongly agree that the sculpture should be moved so that it can be enjoyed by all of the citizens of Brookfield and all who travel along Calhoun Road. What a shame that it has been hidden for so many years. I had no idea that it even existed.

Kudos to the Friends group for finding a donor to pay for its restoration and suggesting that the sculpture be moved for all to enjoy.

I think that the mayor and Mr. Wartman are being closed minded and are seeking the safe path in leaving the sculpture hidden. This way if even one person does not like the piece of art, they will not have to deal with it.

Thank you for bringing this into the public's attention.

- Mark Duszynski, Brookfield, WI

This sculpture reminds me of the outdated orange scultpure at the end of Wisconsin Aveune in downtown Milwaukee that nobody has the guts to remove, although most people wouldn't miss it. As an abstract piece of art that should be located in an abstract location, not front and center in downtown Brookfield. Once it is placed, it will not be moved for a long time.

- Andrew Burish, Brookfield, WI

All art is meant to be seen. It should be placed where as many people can see it as possible. There are many wonderful outdoor works placed throughout SE wisconsin but few even know where they are. My choice would be along Calhoun road. This is not an overly ostentatious piece. It's not a 40ft high "Blue Shirt". I don't think people will find it distracting. Most will appreciate the art exactly as Brink intended.

- Greg, new berlin, Wisconsin

I agree with Mayor Speaker that the art should not be on a main thoroughfare through the city. I understand why the library committee would like the piece to be in a more visible area but that does not mean it need be on Calhoun Road. Art is in the eye of the beholder so "liking" it or not is not the question. If art works being displayed in the city is the question, and I think that is the larger question here, then an area for that is what should be found.
Thank you, Mayor, for doing some forward thinking. Planning is what Brookfield has notoriously lacked in the 23 years I have lived here.

- Lee Ann Troutman, 2460 Wynfield Lane,Brookfield

I support "The Friends of the Brookfield Library" on wanting to move the sculpture. But I do not agree with its proposed location. I would rather see it placed in a dumpster and transported to some land fill. There it will stimulate conversation (art lovers excuse for junk art) for approximately two minutes as it is covered with other garbage. The Mayor and others are right and I agree with there commentary. Thank you Jeff.

- Larry Knetzger, Brookfield Wisconsin.

It's ugley! Take the torch to it!

- Joe Schmank, Brookfield