“Alien outhouses” in Flagstaff saved from scrapyard

Remember the “Solar Calendar” art piece, also called “alien outhouses” by locals, at Route 66 and Postal Boulevard in Flagstaff, Ariz.?

The city had dismantled the 12 illuminated pillars after they were deemed a safety hazard after two motorists struck them. The display also had multiple problems staying lighted at night. A businessman bought them, intending to sell them as scrap metal. But locals have apparently shown enough interest in the pillars that they’ll be used as lawn ornaments and lobby decorations, reported the Arizona Daily Sun.

All but one, however.

A blue tower that suffered the most damage will take center stage at the Flagstaff Sunrise Lions Club’s annual demolition derby over Labor Day weekend. […]

[Clint] Bleeker, owner of a local storage container rental company, said the accident had taken a heavy toll on the blue column. The plastic had cracked in several places and the metal was warped too much to be bent back to its original form. […]

So its final fate will again be as a vehicular target — only this time for a good cause. Bleeker said either the winner of the derby or possibly a raffle ticket holder will be allowed to barrel down on the artwork.

The artist, Mary Boone Wellington, said she was disappointed that one piece of the artwork would be headed to a demolition derby. “This is how Flagstaff treats objects of beauty and cultural value,” Wellington said. But she was unhelpful when the city asked her what to do with the display’s design problems. So her sullen attitude isn’t surprising.

And if one of the pillars is unrepairable, it’s hard to see a downside if it’s going to be demolished for charity.

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