Santa Cruz Sculpture Fire Was Accidental: SCPD

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A fire that destroyed a driftwood art sculpture at the center of the Tannery Arts Center Campus was accidental, according to an investigation by the Santa Cruz Police Department.

The fire broke out Saturday at 12:31 a.m. and reduced the “Spirit Nest” sculpture to burnt char before firefighters could extinguish it. The sculpture, created by Big Sur artist Jayson Fann, was created in 2019 for the Ebb & Flow River Arts Festival out of beach branches that washed up in a winter storm, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

While the fire reduced the sculpture to char, it did not damage the Tannery Complex, a combination of over 100 offices and condominiums. Investigators from the Santa Cruz police and fire departments reviewed hours of surveillance footage, and determined that the fire was not arson-related.

The departments remind the public that hot, dry weather can easily lead to fires, and urge caution.