City and h’ART of BC Board Announce Plans to Protect Sculptures
Binghamton, New York.- City officials and the h’ART of BC Board this morning announced plans to protect the 22 sculptures recently installed around downtown Binghamton in honor of the late Johnny Hart, author of the “B.C.” cartoon strip.
“The recent vandalizing of these sculptures has been very disappointing, but we won’t let the acts of a few ruin what should be a very positive experience for our entire community,” said Mayor Matt Ryan. “Since working closely over the last several weeks, the City and the Board are moving forward with plans that promise to offer better protection for both B.C. and Gronk, as well as hold accountable those who damage these installations. The h’ART of BC remains a wonderful artistic attraction for citizens of all ages, and I encourage both residents and visitors to come downtown to enjoy the project. I also thank Chief Zikuski and our police department for their ongoing participation in this effort.”
Since yesterday, volunteers have been re-installing the B.C. characters on the back of the Gronks using threaded metal rods, which are more difficult for vandals to break. Additionally, the Binghamton Police Department (BPD) will increase surveillance of those areas where the sculptures are located. Anyone caught harming the sculptures will be prosecuted accordingly, and could be charged with a felony.
BACKGROUND
The sculptures include the likeness of B.C., a caveman character from the longstanding cartoon, riding on the back of Gronk, a dinosaur. Since being installed in May, several of these installations were vandalized. At least three of the Gronks have suffered damage, and four B.C. characters have been stolen.
While BPD recovered one of the B.C.s and arrested a suspect in the case, the other three characters remain missing. Two weeks ago, the Board removed the rest of the characters until a long-term solution could be devised.
Jared Raphel, a recent graduate of Binghamton University, will be overseeing the reinstallation. Raefel is a sculptor, and the Board is confident he will secure the B.C. characters successfully.
“A very-talented Binghamton University graduate has graciously come forward with what the organizers hope will be a solution to the vandalizing of the small B.C. character that sits on top of the dinosaur Gronk,” said h’ART of BC Board Chairman Don Bernardo. “However the organizers recognize that if someone wants to damage the sculptures and ruin everyone’s fun, they probably can do so, even after the fix. Obviously we hope that won’t happen. However, if they persist, they do so at their considerable peril, given the increased police surveillance, for which everyone connected with the project is very grateful. Depending on the nature of the damage, the vandals could be looking at a felony offense. One person who has damaged one of the sculptures was apprehended, arrested and has been charged. More than 250 similar projects have been done nationwide, and only a handful have been vandalized. An enormous amount of volunteer work went into h’ART of BC, the net proceeds benefit worthy local charities and we’re honoring the memory of Johnny Hart, who did so much for this community. We just can’t understand why anyone would try to spoil what would otherwise be a wonderful time for the greater Binghamton area.”
On the law enforcement side, BPD officers have maps of the sculpture locations, and will give them additional attention to during patrols, especially during the evening hours.
“Our officers are taking all practical measures to protect these sculptures,” said Police Chief Joe Zikuski. “And if there is any further vandalizing, we will prosecute those responsible to the furthest extent of the law.”
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