A Buffalo Bills-themed sand sculpture has been destroyed in Western New York.
Lockport Mayor John Lombardi III said on Facebook that the public artwork was allegedly damaged by a family that allowed their children to play in it, damaging it less than a week after it was created by Jamestown-based sculptor Todd Pangborn. The sculpture was displayed at Rivi-Erie, on the beach at Widewaters Marina along the Erie Canal.
“I am so sorry to hear about the malicious destruction of this masterpiece graciously funded by a terrific group of friends, spearheaded by our friend Ellen Martin,” Lombardi wrote. “This is a crime and I will do my best to see this through. Destruction of public property is a crime, and so is stupidity in some areas. I was informed by city employees that the parents allowed their children to do such a heinous act.”
The sculpture featured a buffalo on top of the word “Lockport,” with figures of star quarterback Josh Allen and rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman holding footballs. The Buffalo Bills logo was also prominently displayed, along with a nod to broadcaster John Murphy, a Lockport native who retired as the “Voice of the Bills” earlier this year.
This Buffalo Bills-themed sand sculpture by Todd Pangborn was created in Lockport, N.Y., and destroyed less than a week later by children playing in it. (Provided photo)Courtesy Todd Pangborn
According to the Lockport Journal, the sand sculpture was funded by the Niagara County Legislature, particularly Legislator Rick Abbott, in the amount of $3,000. On Facebook, Lombardi described it as a “privately funded community project.”
Pangborn sculpted it over the first weekend of June from 40 tons of sand. It took him about 25 hours of labor to complete.
“It’s unfortunate that some people have no respect for the work and effort put into something like this as well as the courtesy of allowing others to see and appreciate,” Pangborn told newyorkupstate.com. “Destroying a sand sculpture can actually be considered destruction of public property and is illegal. The worst part, however, is the lack of teaching their children to respect what others have done.”
Pangborn, who previously crafted a “Lock-Ness Monster” for the Lockport beach in 2017, said outdoor sand sculptures do not last forever without protection. However, the Bills artwork would’ve lasted at least a few weeks if it were left alone, he said.
Lombardi said anyone with information about the family whose kids damaged the sand sculpture should call the Lockport Police Department or his office directly at 716-439-6665. Lombardi said cameras will also be installed in the area.
Photos of Pangborn’s art can be seen at facebook.com/toddpangbornsculptureart and on Instagram @toddpangbornsculptureart.