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Vandals damage Nanaimo's public art

'Spindle Whorl' vandalized, spindle now missing

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 13, 2015 2:00 PM

Summary

On Friday, July 10 at approximately 8:00 pm, a downtown First Nations public art piece known as the “Spindle Whorl” was damaged by vandalism. During the incident, an important piece of the artwork - a carved spindle - was forcefully removed resulting in significant damage to the overall project.

Members of the community who have information regarding this act of vandalism, or who have information on the location of the missing spindle, are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

Link to Strategic Plan: Public art helps animate our public places and spaces, making them more welcoming, attractive, and contributing to cultural vitality.

Key Points

  • The 'Spindle Whorl' public art piece has been vandalized and the Spindle is missing.
  • If you have any information regarding this act of vandalism or know the location of the missing spindle, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

Quotes

"It was extremely disappointing to learn that someone had vandalized the Spindle Whorl. Even more disappointing is the disappearance of the Spindle making repairs extremely difficult. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Nanaimo RCMP."

Chris Barfoot
Culture and Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • "Spindle Whorl" was carved by artist Joel Good in 2013 as part of the City's Temporary Public Art program. Since 2013, it was displayed in Maffeo Sutton Park for public viewing before it was moved to its new permanent location at the corner of Albert Street and Victoria Crescent on April 30, 2015 .
  • The project was added to the City's permanent inventory of public art in 2015 as part of some minor space enhancements in the downtown area.
  • As shared by the artist, historically used as a tool for spinning wool into yarn, the spindle whorl has become an iconic symbol for the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Carvings in relief depict family stories and legends.
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Contact:

Chris Barfoot
Culture and Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7522

Print News Release

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