The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ sculpture of a javelina riding a tandem bicycle is no longer at its post.
The sculpture located along The Loop was taken down early Monday for repairs following the discovery of “significant damage, said Callie Norton of Pima County Parks and Recreation.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ muralist Joe Pagac created the sculpture called “A Bicycle Built For Two,†and since May of 2023 the javelina on a bicycle built for two has greeted passersby at the Mountain Avenue Bridge on the north bank of Rillito River Park.
Norton said this appears to be the first time the sculpture has been vandalized.
The Pima County Arts Program and Pagac removed the sculpture soon after county officials learned of the damage “to prevent further damage and probable theft,†Norton said.
“While Mr. Pagac is repairing the piece, discussions will be had to assess security concerns and determine next steps,†said Norton in an email to the Star. “We do not know who caused the damage at this time but believe it was in attempt to steal the materials that the sculpture was constructed of.“
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Norton said there is not timeline yet for when the piece will be on public display again.
Moving the sculpture to a new location and the potential for added security measures are being discussed, Norton said.