Show of Hands--Who Likes This Sculpture?

It turns out that the city of Napa is not just filled with oenophiles, but art critics as well.

When a proposed sculpture that would stand outside the Archer Hotel, currently under construction, was presented to the public, there was more screaming and wringing of hands (oh, sorry) than after last August’s earthquake.

Comments by Napa residents have been unkind. One thought it looked like an advertisement for Hamburger Helper, while another likened it to a zombie trying to get out of a grave. Ouch.

Other residents demanded to know why it wasn’t a conflict of interest for the City to purchase a sculpture by artist Gordon Huether, who also happens to be a member of the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission was supposed to discuss purchasing the sculpture last week but the issue was pulled from the agenda at the last minute. Huether was absent from the meeting. He has not commented publically on the furor.

While Napa decides whether it needs a giant hand, here’s one final thought from a naysayer: Thing, The Addams Family.

And that clear orb? It’s a wine grape, of course.

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