In Des Moines, Iowa, a prominent outdoor artwork is set to be taken from a park pond, concluding a legal dispute between the original artist, Mary Miss, and the local art center. This resolution was disclosed on Tuesday, with the art center agreeing to compensate Miss $900,000, at which point she will cease her efforts to prevent the removal of her piece titled Greenwood Pond: Double Site. The art center aims to dismantle the artwork promptly; however, the frigid winter conditions in Iowa could postpone these plans.
As part of the settlement, both the Des Moines Art Center and Miss have agreed to refrain from speaking negatively about each other. Nonetheless, there was visible disappointment expressed by Charles A. Birnbaum, president and CEO of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, regarding the planned removal of the installation. He remarked that the fate of this artwork should have been avoidable and criticized the institution for not upholding its responsibilities as a caretaker of such an important piece of art.
Completing the installation in 1996, Greenwood Pond: Double Site was created on the banks of a pond in a historic park located just west of downtown. The installation includes wooden pathways, viewing areas, and shelters, inviting visitors to engage with the surrounding nature. While the site has been favored locally for picnics and family gatherings, it garnered national recognition and was regarded as a significant achievement for Miss, who is one of the few women in a field predominantly occupied by men.
Over the years, the predominantly wooden installation has faced challenges requiring maintenance due to Iowa’s harsh winters and sweltering summers. Miss was taken aback earlier this year when the art center restricted access to segments of her work and later announced plans to remove it, citing the exorbitant costs related to repairs and upkeep. Frustrated, Miss filed a lawsuit, noting that her contract with the art center stipulated her approval was necessary for dismantling.
“I would be shocked if it was just torn out. It doesn’t deserve it. People don’t deserve to have that happen,” Miss commented in February regarding her hopes for the artwork’s preservation. Following the settlement announcement, she declared aspirations that this situation might foster stronger relationships among artists, communities, and cultural institutions. Furthermore, Miss has pledged to contribute to a new Public Art Advocacy Fund established by The Cultural Landscape Foundation, aimed at promoting the importance of preserving landscape art.
While the art center confirmed the terms of the agreement, it did not provide detailed timelines or steps for the artwork’s removal. Earlier, the center indicated plans for a significant process that would involve draining the pond for adequate access, utilizing heavy machinery, and constructing new pathways over a period of approximately three months.
