The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau is speaking out about damage done to one of the Seward Johnson sculptures recently placed as part of the quilt gardens exhibits around the county:

The Seward Johnson sculpture that had been located at Abshire Park in Goshen has been removed and placed in safekeeping after it sustained damage sometime around June 1, 2022. The Elkhart County CVB is working with stakeholders on how the sculpture, which was part of the Elkhart County CVB’s celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Quilt Gardens, will be replaced.

Jon Hunsberger, CDME, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB, says:

“The Elkhart County CVB is deeply saddened by the recent incident of vandalism on a Seward Johnson sculpture in Abshire Park in Goshen. We are working with the authorities in the hope that the culprits can be identified, and the community can receive justice in this incident. Public art is extremely important to the Elkhart County community. The Elkhart County CVB will work with authorities on all reasonable efforts to safeguard the nearly 100 works of public art that we manage, from sculptures to Quilt Gardens and Quilt Murals.

“Vandalism of public art is an attack on all of us in Elkhart County. While the piece that was damaged is valued at $160,000, it’s just as important to remember the emotional value we invest as residents in how public art animates public spaces and brings joy to our daily lives.

“Public art reminds us that Elkhart County residents bring to life many beautifully hand-crafted, valuable, and practical items into existence. That is what makes our community special and what people will remember about Elkhart County.”

Questions about the vandalism incident can be directed to the Goshen Police Department at police@goshencity.com.