BUCKSPORT — The Bucksport Economic Development Committee says thanks but no thanks to the Schoodic Sculpture Symposium.

The abstract appearance of the symposium’s sculptures in other municipalities and the expense were the main objections.

Dave Milan, Bucksport’s economic development director, asked the committee during its regular monthly meeting Monday if it would consider listening to a proposal from symposium officials about funding a sculpture for Bucksport.

The symposium had asked Bucksport to participate a couple years ago. Milan said the committee declined as members thought the sculptures were too abstract.

And, that was the consensus again.

“A municipal sculpture in Bucksport needs to be representational, meaning it is what it looks like,” said Andy Lacher, owner of BookStacks and new committee member.

Town Councilor and committee Chairman Byron Vinton asked, “Would we get veto power if they came up with something you wouldn’t want on the bottom of your pond?”

Milan explained that the committee could choose the artist it wanted to work with, but the sculpture would be the artist’s interpretation.

“These are world-renowned artists,” Milan said.

Councilor Belle Ryder recalled the last time the committee was asked about participating.

“We argued for about an hour and then said ‘Why are we still arguing?’ None of us wants this,’” Ryder said.

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