Big Rusty, sculpture made of trash, having a problem with vandals
HAINESPORT - Vandals keep trashing a sculpture here that's made from recycled items.
The artwork, a giant troll called Big Rusty, debuted this summer as an eye-catching attraction at the township's planned Creek Turn Park.
But the township-owned artwork has been the target of paint-spraying vandals on multiple occasions, authorities say.
New Jersey State Police on Sept. 4 released photographs of three men being sought for alleged criminal mischief involving the sculpture.
Turning trash into art A look at large art installations in Camden
It said troopers noticed graffiti marking on the statue when they responded to a complaint on Aug. 9.
Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call Trooper Joseph Couzo at the Bordentown Station at 609-298-1171, extension 5174.
The township also reported vandalism in a July 17 letter to community members.
"Over the past week, soon after our beloved commissioned art sculpture ‘Big Rusty’ was built and unveiled, there was a specific incident of graffiti on her and the surrounding building," the letter said.
"This occurred immediately after a local painter was commissioned to paint over inappropriate, explicit language and drawings," it said.
The letter noted police were looking for fingerprints on spray-paint and beer cans found near the sculpture.
It asked park visitors who see suspicious behavior to "take note of details such as descriptions of individuals involved, their activities, or any distinctive characteristics."
It also suggested people take photos and videos as evidence "if safe to do so."
New park taking shape in Hainesport
The township this year began developing Turn Creek Park on more than 24 acres along the Rancocas Creek. The site is off Route 38 between the Diamond Diner and Dunleavy's Restaurant, according to an online update from Committeewoman Anna Evans.
Big Rusty was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculptor who makes art from recycled material, including plywood, bricks and cinderblocks.
The massive statue sprawls on the ground in a seated position, with an outstretched arm on the roof of dilapidated building that once held Creek Turn Ceramic Supply Co.
"My mission is to create great experiences out of trash and to inspire people to understand that trash is a beautiful resource," the artist's website says.
At the same time, it notes, "It is important that you share this vision."
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Big Rusty sculpture in Hainesport target of vandals
