Controversy Over Removal of Metal Sculpture in Lyon Township

In Lyon Township, a controversy has sparked over the removal of a metal sculpture from a local hilltop. “Man in the City”, installed by artist John Sauve, is no more.

Sauve’s 20-foot-tall, 1,500-pound metal sculpture had become an iconic image to those traveling along Interstate 96 for the past 13 years. In the shape of a man with a fedora, the sculpture was abruptly removed, the orders coming from the local township officials.

The artist, a Brighton resident, is upset with the situation, stating he was never notified. “Someone went and cut it down thinking no one would notice,” Sauve lamented, expressing his shock and disappointment.

A formal notice was indeed sent to Sauve by the township’s attorney, which stated the sculpture was to be removed. The letter cited complaints from community members who found the sculpture inappropriate and scary for children. It also mentioned issues with the sculpture’s proximity to the local airport and the addition of disruptive lights to the artwork.

Sauve is perturbed as he stated that he was never contacted directly about the removal. He was shocked when he drove along the I-96 and did not see his sculpture. On further investigation, he realized it was completely removed. “I have to come up with a solution between now and next Wednesday, or their solution is to cut it into pieces.$ He added.

The local township’s maintenance department did admit to taking down the sculpture. The reason given was the actions of vandals over the past decade who had defaced the artwork. Despite this, there is disagreement within the township officials about the handling of the situation. Trustee Kristofer Enlow confessed he had liked the artwork and was not consulted about its removal.

Fortunately for the artist, his works are welcomed in many other cities and universities across the country including New York, Chicago, and Detroit. Despite being wanted elsewhere, Sauve wishes to see his Man in the City reinstated at its original home in Lyon Township. He is willing to discuss a resolution, but insists that the local township authorities must make the first move. Sauve concluded, “If they want it back up, it could be worked out, but it won’t start without a phone call. We need to find a solution, or it will be a casualty of public art.”

In the meantime, while the controversy continues, the fate of Man in the City is truly in the balance. It remains to be seen whether other sculptures of the artist will share the same fate or whether this saga will serve as a lesson in the preservation of public art.