Three was not a crowd. And now one is a lonely number in the case of a public art piece created to be a visual reminder to drive with caution.
The "Tucson Totems" on East Glenn Street, west of Los Altos, were a set of three metal sculptures by artist Rachel Slick.
According to Slick, the art was designed with the input of the Keeling Neighborhood Association.
"The chickens, bees and stylized desert flowers represent home," she said. "The children are in honor of the kids who attend Keeling Elementary School."
The figures are also to remind motorists of the crosswalk and its proximity to the school.
"The whole point of it was to try to have drivers visually see something colorful and recognize that it's a special area where they need to pay attention," said Mary Ellen Wooten, public art manager with the Tucson Pima Arts Council.
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The gecko that adorns the top of the center totem is the neighborhood mascot, in honor of a herpetologist who once lived there.
At one time, his gecko collection escaped and roamed the neighborhood.
"I have heard that even today, residents of the neighborhood are always coming across geckos in their gardens and homes as a result of the great gecko escape," Slick said.
The neighborhood loved the art piece, "until it died," Slick said.
"Tucson Totems was run down and essentially killed by a car," she said. "Luckily the break away posts did their job, and the posts did not kill or injure anyone."
The crash happened earlier this year, and what will become of the complete art piece is unknown.
According to Wooten, the city's insurance has a high deductible, and the repair cost is lower than the deductible. "We really do hope to repair it, but the city can't spend money it doesn't have," Wooten said.
Slick hopes the city can take notice of the art and find funds for repairs. With only one of the three totems standing, she said: "There seems to be a real absence."
Now on sale
"Tucson Oddities, Too" is now available.
The sequel to "Tucson Oddities Vol. 1" features another 50 hometown oddities suggested by Star readers. Price: $14.99 plus tax.
A limited number of Volume 1 and 2 are available in a box set for $29, plus tax.
The books can be purchased at the Star, 4850 S. Park Ave., or online at azstarnet.com/store (shipping and handling charges will be applied.)
Questions can be referred to oddity@azstarnet.com or 573-4232.
Contact Angela Pittenger at apitteng@azstarnet.com or 573-4203.
