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CLEAR LAKE, Iowa – The Sukup Lakeside Sculpture Garden at the Clear Lake Arts Center has been hit by vandals for the second time in 2025, with the latest incident occurring early Saturday morning. The first attack took place in April, and both cases targeted artwork created by students from the University of Northern Iowa.
The center’s executive director, Sarah Lindstrom, said Tuesday that the repeated damage has left staff and artists frustrated. “Public art is meant to inspire, challenge, and connect people. When someone deliberately destroys it, it hurts not just the artists but the entire community,” Lindstrom said.
In the Saturday incident, vandals knocked over or broke at least three sculptures, including a metal piece that had been repaired just weeks after the April vandalism. The damage is estimated at several thousand dollars, according to the center. Police have not yet identified any suspects in either case.
“We’re asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the early morning hours to come forward,” said Clear Lake Police Chief Mark Johnson. “This is a deliberate act of destruction that we take very seriously.”
The Clear Lake Arts Center is a nonprofit that relies on donations and grants to maintain its grounds and programming. The sculpture garden, which features works by local and regional artists, is a popular spot for residents and visitors. “The garden is our way of bringing art into everyday life,” Lindstrom added. “We won’t let this discourage us, but we do need the community’s help to keep it safe.”
In response to the vandalism, the center has launched a fundraising drive to cover repair costs and is considering adding security cameras or lighting. “We’re exploring options to deter future incidents,” Lindstrom said. “Our goal is to restore the garden as quickly as possible and continue to showcase the incredible talent of our students.”
The University of Northern Iowa art department expressed disappointment over the loss of student work. Professor Emily Carter, who oversees the sculpture program, said the students had put months of effort into their pieces. “These are not just random objects; they are expressions of ideas and craftsmanship. Seeing them destroyed is heartbreaking,” Carter said.
The first vandalism in April damaged several pieces, including a large abstract steel structure. That piece was repaired by the student artist, but the second attack broke it again. “It’s disheartening, but we’re resilient,” the student artist, who asked not to be named, said in a statement. “I’ll repair it again if I have to.”
Community members have also reacted strongly. Local resident and art enthusiast Tom Greer said, “The garden is a gem. It’s sickening that someone would do this. I hope the police catch them.”
The Clear Lake Police Department is urging anyone with information to call (641) 357-2186. Tips can be anonymous. Meanwhile, the arts center is accepting donations via its website and at the front desk. As of Tuesday, the center had raised about $2,000 toward repairs.
Incidents of public art vandalism have been on the rise in some parts of the country, often linked to lack of awareness or intentional mischief. Experts say that engaging the community in art creation and maintenance can help reduce such acts.
The Clear Lake Arts Center plans to hold a community meeting next week to discuss garden security and volunteer opportunities. “We want to turn this negative into a positive,” Lindstrom said. “The more people feel ownership of the garden, the less likely they are to let it be harmed.”
The garden remains open to the public, with damaged areas cordoned off. Visitors can still enjoy other sculptures that were not affected. The center expects repairs to be completed within two weeks, weather permitting.
For those who want to support the arts center, donations can be made online at clearlakeartscenter.org/donate. The center also welcomes volunteers to help with garden maintenance and future events.
Update: This article was updated on June 5, 2025, with comments from the Clear Lake Arts Center executive director and police chief. The original story was published on June 2, 2025.
