CHICAGO — Vandals attacked the Ten Thousand Ripples public art installation in Palmisano Park recently, stealing some pieces and covering other sculptures in graffiti.
Six heads from the circle of 15 white Buddha sculptures, created to inspire peace and community, were stolen from their concrete bases, while other sculptures were scrawled on.
The Chicago Park District and nonprofit Changing Worlds will host a community meeting at 11 a.m. March 18 at the Palmisano field house at 2700 S. Halsted St., to discuss the incident and engage the community in how to heal the installation.
The project is a collaboration between artist Indira Freitas Johnson and Changing Worlds, which "works to foster inclusive communities, affirm identity and enhance cross-cultural understanding."
The Buddha sculptures are in several Chicago spots, including in Uptown, Rogers Park, Albany Park and Pilsen.
"This is deeply saddening," said Alicia Vega, Changing Worlds' executive director. "These works, designed to foster peace and community engagement, feel more important than ever. We hope the community will use this moment to come together and create a plan for stewardship."
