“Orange Man” Sculpture Removed in Lyon Township, Says Artist
In the quiet community of Lyon Township, a bit of artistic controversy is brewing. Renowned local artist and creator of the famous “Orange Man on the Hill” or “Man in the City,” claims that his 15-foot tall silhouette sculpture was taken down by the township, rather than vandals as some had thought.
The silhouette, a familiar sight to community members and passersby, had been a prominent fixture in James F. Atchison Memorial Park for a decade.
The artist, John Sauve, says he was taken by surprise when he received a letter from lawyers representing the township. The letter allegedly stated that after receiving multiple complaints from local residents who found the sculpture “inappropriate and frightening” to their children, officials decided to remove it.
“They know it’s mine. Why not just a quick phone call?”, Sauve questions. He says he would have been open to finding a compromise, but feels the authorities were hasty in their decision to take down the sculpture without prior communication.
Adding to the surprise, the letter also pointed out that “lights had been added to the statue,” that’s in close proximity to the airport, raising potential concerns.
According to Sauve, he has been given until Wednesday to remove his sculpture from the park, else the township will cut it up and take away the remains.
“It’s disheartening. It’s challenging. It’s expensive,” Sauve admits. However, he remains optimistic, looking forward to the opportunities that this situation might present.
This saga has given residents and art lovers alike much to ponder about. But, for John Sauve, it’s an unexpected hiccup in an otherwise peaceful existence of his renowned sculpture, and an opportunity to either resurrect the “Orange Man,” or create something entirely new in its place.
