David Hunwick had no idea that his two bronze fish-kissing sculpture had been stolen in Penticton.
A friend notified the Victoria-based artist on Sunday, Oct. 15, about the theft. The city had not notified him so he was unaware the sculpture had been vandalized, he said. The bronze fish have been missing since at least August.
Hunwick took to social media to ask if anyone saw anything and that’s when he found out the fish were taken sometime in the summer.
“I had no idea they had gone missing. It’s very sad that a few spoil the enjoyment of the many,” said Hunwick. “I just found out by chance yesterday (Sunday, Oct. 16). I am the eternal optimist and still hope for a positive outcome.”
“The Kiss” sculpture was located opposite Lickity Splitz on the boulevard looking towards the SS Sicamous. The two fish kissing have been broken/cut off, leaving just the bronze ring.
Now Hunwick is out thousands of dollars for his art.
He has contacted Penticton police who he said were very helpful. Hunwick’s fish sculpture was part of the Penticton public sculpture exhibit that is featured along the Okanagan Lake boulevard, beside city hall and in the roundabout by the Penticton Art Gallery.
His sculpture was displayed in Castlegar for many months without issue.
Sadly, this is the second theft from the 2023 Penticton Public Sculpture Exhibition.
In June, Wish to Fly by Coquitlam artist Serge Mozhnesky was torn off its pedestal and stolen. Damage was done to the huge red spider art — GIGASPIDER by Ron Simmer.
The Wish to Fly sculpture has never been recovered. In those cases, the city notified the artists.
Shane Mills, communications director for the city, said the staff member in charge of the exhibition is away at the moment but will provide a response when they get back.
In 2021, someone stole the key off the Raven’s Key sculpture located at the same location the Kiss fish were.
If anyone knows anything about the two missing bronze fish, contact the Penticton RCMP detachment.