Metal salmon stolen from the Penticton sculpture exhibit

Photo: Contributed

Before and after shots of the sculpture, Salmon Cycle

“It’s a bit heartbreaking really because you’ve put so much time and energy into this.”

One of the artworks on display for the Penticton Public sculpture exhibit has been tampered with. 

Trinita Waller’s piece, “Salmon Cycle” on Lakeshore Drive has had one of the bronze salmon stolen off of it.

Waller received word Friday morning from friends, with a picture circled where the fish had been missing.

“It’s an insult,” she said. “What this means essentially I will have to recast the fish, and if the bicycle pedal is gone I’ll have to recast that. Then it needs to be removed because it needs to be welded together.” 

Months of Waller’s time we’re dedicated to creating, casting and welding the structure together, and fixing it will be no easy task. 

“I have a lot of time and money invested in that piece,” she said. “It’s a theft and it's probably well over five thousand dollars.” 

Waller has contacted the city regarding her piece and will be contacting the RCMP as well.

Currently plans for the fish may incorporate pulling it from showcase completely, as Waller is worried about what else may happen to it. 

“If they’ve taken one, they might come back for another one or two.” 

Waller is hoping the person who removed the salmon will come forward and return it.

“I would really hope that I would get the fish back. “