Boulder constrictor: Bureaucracy over art spontaneity, city says

Rocky the Rock Snake had just gotten off to a crawl, then he vanished like a reptile slithering off into the desert, never to be seen again.

A colorful sign introducing Rocky’s rock art display was recently added to the grounds at Copper Sky Regional Park. It stated, “Add a painted rock and let’s see how long I can grow!”

While it is unknown who removed Rocky at 1 a.m. July 5, as seen on city surveillance video, and just four art rocks later, a City of Maricopa official said today such spontaneous pop-up art is not allowed. Artists and arts groups must go through city channels first.

“While not permitted by city code, the city loves to see the community come together and celebrate creativity,” said city spokesperson Monica Williams. “That is why we have put extra effort into growing our city arts initiatives, even offering two new grants this year. We encouraged individuals with ideas to connect with our city leaders or our Maricopa Cultural Affairs and Arts Committee to see about making them become reality.”

Rocky’s removal didn’t go over well with Maricopa AZ 85138 contributors, who reacted after a post with photos of the sign and Rocky the Rock Snake’s first contributions went the small-town equivalent of viral.

Multiple such contributors reached out to InMaricopa for answers over the weekend.

“Send all these comments and complaints to Maricopa mayor,” an angered Rosemary Araiza, a Sorrento resident, stated on the popular Facebook page. “I don’t see how they allow all the political signs that block motorists’ view at every intersection in town.”

She was one of 109 comments about Rocky’s demise today and counting. It’s important to note the city only allows political signs because a state law mandates all cities allow them.

“The city hates anything happy and also small businesses,” said Homestead resident Jodi Levy. “I said what I said!”

Some took the snide route to make their point with the city.

“They weren’t in cages!” quipped Sarah Vandercook, a reference to the rocks-in-cages art decorating the John Wayne Parkway median on the city’s north side. They’re known as gabions.

“Can’t have free range rocks! I’m sorry it was removed, that’s a bummer,” Vandercook said.

It was a stranger in the night who actually took Rocky away, Williams said.

“The sign was later removed by city staff after it was found damaged,” she added.

Williams said anyone with an art project to propose can contact Peg Chapados, chairwoman of the city arts committee, at pjchoa@msn.com .

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