Survey says… this is what 1011 Doppler readers think about Pipe Man

Pipe Man, the floating art installation in the Muskoka River next to Huntsville’s Town Docks, has garnered a lot of attention, much of it negative. As a result, Town staff will be seeking public input via a survey and intend to bring a report back to Council in September 2017. In the meantime, the sculpture will remain where it is.

We wanted to know what Huntsville residents think, too. We invited Doppler readers to share their opinions – love it or hate it – via an informal, anonymous survey, that allowed only one response per IP address.

There were 1011 respondents who accessed the survey and answered the following questions:

Q1. Pipe Man is the art installation currently in the Muskoka River adjacent to the Town Docks. What do you think of its location and design?

Of 998 responses to this question, 8.8 per cent like it just fine where it is, 30.8 per cent like it but want it moved somewhere else, and 60.4 per cent said it’s just not their cup of tea.

Q2. If you think Pipe Man should be moved, where should it go (keeping in mind that it was designed as a floating structure and a new location would have to meet any necessary government approvals)?

This question asked for ideas for a new location for Pipe Man and there were many – 620 in total.

The top four suggestions were: 1. Remove it and not put it anywhere; 2. Move it to Pipefusion; 3. Move it to River Mill Park; and 4. Move it closer to the shoreline. Others thought along Hunters Bay Trail – either near the boardwalk or along the trail itself – or Camp Kitchen would be suitable locations. A handful of respondents suggested Cann Lake, Lions Lookout and Algonquin Park as possible alternatives.

An artistic rendering of Pipe Man. One on side is the likeness of Tom Thomson (left), on the other waves representing Pipefusion’s 35 years

Here’s a selection of comments:

It would be better on land, where the orientation could be fixed. Too often all you see of it is a black pillar. The art isn’t discernible from a distance. Perhaps beside the bridge, or on an edge of River Mill Park.

I can’t think of a good spot. Maybe it should be auctioned off to provide charitable funds to be put into the improvement project of the buyer’s choice, e.g. Hutcheson Beach, Pioneer Village, etc.

This is getting a bit silly. On the plus side, the current location gets it seen by probably the most people. On the negative side it seems a bit like a navigation obstacle to me (not really a hazard as some have said). I’d prefer it closer to, or maybe installed upon, the tiny existing island closer to the bridge. Easier to see close up from the bridge and more “out of the way” for boats.

The floating structure should be redesigned and then established on a base that is accessible from all sides, with an interpretive plaque. River Mill Park and some of the other locations mentioned should be considered. Pipefusion could have donated a ‘splash pad’ to the Town with their artistic tribute to Tom Thomson as the centerpiece. That would be a visible and much used ‘active living’ asset to the Town!

On land, near the park. A place where folks will stand and take selfies with it. With a proper sign that describes what it is, who it is…..not just about the company that made it.

If it needs to be anywhere, not in any waterway, maybe on land near the band shell in River Mill Park or in front of the Pipefusion factory. I appreciate modern art and it can be brilliant juxtaposed to a non-modern setting, however to be placed in the middle of probably the most spectacular natural view in Huntsville is almost an atrocity. Check out Rob Stimpson’s recent beautiful late fall photograph to see the natural vista that has been ruined by this installation. It is my sincere hope that “Pipe Man” will be moved soon.

Recycle the material to make a dock for the swimmers to use at a public beach.

People need to stop complaining. The thought behind this piece of art is appropriate and not everyone will agree. Stop complaining about EVERYTHING!

Q3. What do you generally think of public art in Huntsville?

Most of you do like the idea of public art. Of 953 respondents, 68.8 per cent think it’s important, 27.3 per cent think our natural landscape is enough, and 3.89 per cent just don’t get it.

Q4. Comments

We gave you opportunity to chime in with any additional comments you wanted to share and several themes emerged. These are some of the 339 comments we received.

On the interpretation of art:

Art displays encourage discussion both positive and negative but that is what makes communities distinctive and encourages people to visit.

While I’m all for public art, I can’t help but think this piece is ill conceived and executed. It invites interpretation only on the most superficial of levels, as in “What the hell is that, and what is it doing there?”

This is not art. A tourist will have no idea what the thing is until it is explained. Art you can like or dislike but this is advertising.

I think art is not something everyone has to universally agree on. That would be boring. Art is in the eye of the beholder, and all are different. As well, the company gave this a great deal of thought and intended it as a thank you to the community. The backlash will no doubt dissuade other people and organizations from creating public art, which would be horrible. Check out Laguna Beach California and all of the installations they have to make their town an artistic hub.

I am not sure how a private company got such a public display of “art” made from one of their products simply by stating it was a gift. We have standards for signage and billboards, yet this thinly disguised advertisement ends up where all can see and none can avoid seeing.

We are rich in artistic talent in our town and we should be proud of it. The fact that the sculpture does not look like every other piece of art we see in Muskoka is something that should be celebrated. I would like to remind people that the Sydney Opera house was initially hated and thought to be an “eye-sore” and now it is a treasured landmark. I feel that Pipe Man should stay.

I really enjoy all the public art in Huntsville and would love to see more from local artists.

The town would not be in this this situation if they had a non-partisan official Public Art program guided by volunteers. These programs exist across North America for obvious reasons. That’s what should be in place. And that should have been be a question on your questionnaire – should the Town of Huntsville have a non-partisan Public Art Program in place guided by volunteers? Want an example of how they run: vancouver.ca/your-government/public-art-committee.aspx

There should have been a public policy regarding gifts to the town. What stops any other business gifting the town? Example: Kimberly-Clark has been in town a long time and wants to put a giant toilet paper roll in the park. They employed hundreds of residents over the years and it shouldn’t be refused. Is it art? Sure to some people and the precedent has been set now. Or how about the agricultural society wanting to put a giant statue of a sheep. It has been in existence since before the town was incorporated. How can you refuse that?

I honestly think it may just take time for people to become accustomed to it. And some may never be okay with it! But art is art, some love it, some hate it! You can’t make everyone happy.

On moving it now vs. later (or not at all):

Please decide on this issue before May, and not risk waiting until tourist season is over. Do not spend more money on a public survey and report. There is now sufficient public input; decide now. Bottom line: remove and relocate. The parties that approved this should physically come to Huntsville to see this structure in the middle of the Muskoka River. What were they thinking? They weren’t. Sorry to say, they probably don’t live here, and it is unlikely that they have any attachment to our lovely Town.

I am glad that council is leaving it for one year because I think a lot of people will get used to it by then and maybe change their minds.

Has this issue not been addressed? Please move it prior to our busy season!

This type of survey should’ve been done before it was erected. And it definitely should be taken care of before the summer.

The town has heard plenty of negative comments. Waiting until fall to decide is a big mistake. Move it asap please!

I appreciate the gesture and am a fan of public art, but this one is in the wrong place. We don’t need it to be there for almost a year to know whether or not we like it.

Pipe Man as viewed from the Town Docks

On the choice of location:

I was extremely disappointed that our Town Council approved this “art” and equally disappointed that Fisheries & Oceans approved its location in a navigable waterway. Shame on these two levels of government.

I find that other pieces of art blend into the backdrop of our town and this piece stands out…is that a good thing or a negative thing…certainly debatable. Our water ways are beautiful and I wonder if we need something to try to enhance that….I think the area is beautiful without the art there. Either way it has certainly brought more attention to the town docks.

Leave the lakes and rivers free from any “art”. Nature is the best form of art and the reason people come here.

I’m not so opposed to the art itself, it’s not that tacky, and it looks alright lit up. But it’s just such a poor location, the lights from the main street and town dock reflect off of it, resulting in us not really able to see its full effect.

I like the idea of public art and experimental public art but the way Pipefusion has installed a semi-permanent structure should not be allowed. The idea of a having a municipal gallery for rotating art shows is long overdue. Build it!

Beautiful diverse art. Adds to the uniqueness of our pretty little town.

Great idea, bad implementation – looks like a giant spike stuck in the river, painful. Something more organic and natural looking might have been spectacular. Also don’t like that this is a corporate promotion vs public commission. Fail.

I hope the artist knows that her creation is lovely and quite compelling. My concerns are never with the piece itself, just the location, the unilateral decision making, and the taint of advertising.

On the discussion about Pipe Man:

I feel that this whole thing has come about due more to winter boredom than people actually thinking critically about the issue. Let it be.

I wish we could all be just a little more open-minded.

It’s sad to see the negativity and downright hostility that’s been expressed on social media about the Pipe Man. It was a generous gift from Pipefusion and is an interesting piece of art. I just think it’s in the wrong location to be properly appreciated.

It is really amazing that so much council & staff time has been spent on this issue that the Councillors created by voting for its location last year. Maybe if we get a few negative comments on issues like roads, homelessness, etc. these issues will get the attention of certain members of council.

Do we not have bigger issues in the world toward which our energy and our attention would be more effective?

I really like the public discussion. We are becoming more of an artistic community with our art and theatre so controversy is bound to happen. It really comes down to personal opinion. We have to become more eclectic in our thinking.

The only good thing it has done is make us aware that all donations must be honestly evaluated as to their worth to all residents.

Never before was such a piece of art so useless, but hated by so many, loved by so few, and debated so much.

We elected Council to make these decisions: I’m opposed to rule by referenda.

Thank you to everyone who responded to this survey. We have offered to share the full survey results and comments with Council and Town staff. (We, unfortunately, cannot share full results here due to responses that would identify some readers).

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