Chicago Critical Mass at the Spindle in Berwyn, Illinois
Spindle is a sculpture created by artist Dustin Shuler in 1989 that consists of a 40 foot spike with eight cars impaled on it.[1] It is located in the parking lot of Cermak Plaza shopping center in Berwyn, Illinois (Chicago) and was commissioned by the then shopping center owner David Bermant, who also donated his BMW car to be placed second from the top of the sculpture.[2] The foundation of the sculpture reaches nearly 30 feet into the ground; the cost of erecting it was over $75,000.[3] The sculpture has been featured in the film Wayne's World, on the cover of a book,[4] postcards, state tourist brochures and maps.[5]
Throughout its existence the sculpture has been controversial amongst Berwyn residents and in 1990 they voted overwhelmingly for it to be removed.[6] However, the Mayor of Berwyn has described the sculpture as "icon in our community",[6] and David Bermant claimed that the shopping center received 30% more business than comparable shopping centers due to the quirky art around the center.[2]
Disassembly of The Spindle in Berwyn, IL on May 2008.
The future of the sculpture is now in doubt as the shopping center is to be redeveloped and the site of the sculpture is earmarked for a Walgreens store. It is currently being debated as to whether the sculpture should be relocated or simply removed due to the high cost of relocation (estimated at over $350,000). The uncertain future of the sculpture has again sparked disagreement between residents who view it as a Berwyn landmark and residents who view it as an eyesore. [5][7]
On August 1, 2007, radio station WLUP interviewed the Berwyn mayor with the main subject being the Spindle. According to the mayor, the sculpture's removal has been pushed to mid-September 2007, and the sculpture will most likely be moved down the street.
The sculpture was made available for purchase in an eBay auction,[8] which ended April 17, 2008 with no bids.
On May 2, 2008, Robinette Demolition disassembled Spindle. A large crowd stood near the site taking pictures. The top two cars were removed from the spike by a crane, and stored for future use. The base of the spindle was then cut, and the spindle (along with the remaining cars) was pushed over with a crane. If sufficient funds can be raised, a new Spindle – featuring the old top two cars – may be erected.[9][10]
Chicago Critical Mass[]
Chicago CM in July 2007; a masser performs a Chicago hold-up
On Friday, July 27, 2007, The Chicago Critical Mass rode to the Spindle in an effort to raise awareness surrounding the sculpture. Around 2,000 cyclists made the 14.8 mile trek from Daley Plaza in the Loop in support of the artwork.[11]
References[]
- ↑ http://www.roadsideamerica.com/cheese/che1.html | Road Cheese, Day 1 | 2007-07-09 | Roadside America
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.davidbermantfoundation.org/details.asp?id=90&Artist=Shuler | Audio commentary by David Bermant (mp3 file) | 2007-07-09 | The David Bermant collection
- ↑ Andrew Herrmann | Spindle is outta here | Chicago Sun-Times | Sun-Times News Group | 10 July 2007 | 2007-07-16
- ↑ Pohlen Jerome |Oddball Illinois: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places | 2000 | Chicago Review Press | Chicago | ISBN:1556523718
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Cari Brokamp | Car ‘Spindle’ coming down — whether it goes back up remains in the air | http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/lagrangepark/homepage/x844964391 | Suburban Life | GateHouse Media Inc. | 4 July 2007 | 2007-07-09
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Josh Noel | Gregory, Ted | End of road for Berwyn icon? | Chicago Tribune | Tribune Company | 11 July 2007 | 2007-07-16
- ↑ Berwyn's 'Spindle' car sculpture set to fall | Chicago Tribune | Tribune Company | 10 July 2007 | 2007-07-10
- ↑ Item number 150235374926
- ↑ Herrmann, Andrew. "The Spindle Comes Down", Chicago Sun-Times, May 3, 2008
- ↑ Smith, Gerry. "Curious Pay Respects to Felled 'Spindle'", Chicago Tribune, May 4, 2008
- ↑ Bikers back Spindle | Chicago Sun Times | Sun-Times News Group | 28 July 2007] | 2007-07-28
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