The statue stolen from downtown Sioux Falls’ SculptureWalk was found Saturday and is in police custody as evidence.
“Miss" by artist Xu Long Hua was installed over a week ago near the Wells Fargo Bank along Phillips Avenue.
The Sioux Falls Police Department learned of the stolen statue around 11:30 Friday. Someone then recovered the statue Saturday a half a block south of its original location. No suspects have been apprehended.
Brandon Hanson, executive director of SculptureWalk, says they will be able to restore the statue once the police department returns it.
“Because we have … all the pieces of the sculpture, it means we’ll be able to repair it,” Hanson said. “And we’re lucky enough to have an amazing foundry in town where we can take it and get it completely repaired and put back up this year.”
Hanson says artwork from SculptureWalk is stolen or damaged almost every year.
“It’s not going to deter us from continuing to do it,” he said. “We have insurance, we have businesses who are involved and sponsors downtown, as well, who are looking, and watching and have their own cameras. Again, the community in general is keeping their eyes on this program ‘cause they all love it, and they want to keep it here.”
The Sioux Falls Police Department asks anyone with potential tips to contact Crime Stoppers. Hanson also says the police are reviewing videos, photos and social media platforms for more possible evidence and leads.
This year marks the 19th annual SculptureWalk exhibit. The 2022 season features a record 67 installations throughout downtown Sioux Falls.
