Standing behind a chain-link fence, community leaders and residents gathered Wednesday morning to watch the demolition of two granite and stainless-steel sculptures in Portland’s Old Town.
Erected in 2006, the sculptures featuring a dragon’s head were intended to honor the history and contributions of Portland’s Chinese community. The Regional Arts & Culture Council paid Washington artist Goldbloom $191,000 to create the sculptures as part of a city-funded streetscape improvement plan. However, many in the community have long viewed the works as culturally offensive.
“People showed up en masse to protest,” said Jessie Burke, chair of the Old Town Community Association. “I think the city tries to do the right thing, but sometimes it just doesn’t land.”…