A judge blocks the demolition of a groundbreaking Iowa art installation
By SCOTT McFETRIDGE
Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked plans to remove a nationally known outdoor artwork that borders a pond in a Des Moines city park. The judge found in his Monday ruling that New York artist Mary Miss is likely to succeed in her argument that destroying the work would violate her agreement with a local art center. The judge ordered the temporary restraining order after hearing arguments earlier in the day about the Des Moines Art Center’s plans to immediately begin removing the artwork. Officials at the art center say the work has deteriorated beyond repair. Miss says the art center hasn’t kept her informed about the work she created and would violate a contract that requires the artwork to be maintained.
