DUMBO – Tuesday will be the official dedication in DUMBO of the roly-poly, humorous bronze sculpture “Large Covered Wagon,� by world-famous artist Tom Otterness. The work, depicting a pipe-smoking pioneer woman steering a covered wagon pulled by a bull, was installed last weekend on the hilly intersection of Prospect and Washington streets.

Meant to be a joyous and fun event, the dedication – made possible by a generous grant from Two Trees Management Co. and the Walentas Foundation – will feature music by the Ebony Hillbillies.

But there is another side to the installation, one that involves a long-forgotten incident that took place 30 years ago.

Over the last few days, commenters on Brooklyn blogs – notably the McBrooklyn blog, but also Brownstoner – have heatedly discussed the news that Otterness shot an adopted dog to death 30 years ago as part of an art piece.

“This just can’t be true!� was one of the milder (and printable) comments. Others said that they were “sick at the thought,� and that the ASPCA should be notified, while others suggested various forms of dog-protests.

“IMO [in my humble opinion] as a very public artist, I think he needs to make a very public statement (a)apologize (B) not apologize,� said one McBrooklyn commenter. “Willing to forgive, but the longer that he is silent it feels like he is flipping me and my Rosco the big bird.�

The Brooklyn Eagle contacted the artist’s studio about the issue Monday, and received the following response via email:

“Thirty years ago when I was 25 years old, I made a film in which I shot a dog. It was an indefensible act that I am deeply sorry for. Many of us have experienced profound emotional turmoil and despair. Few have made the mistake I made. I hope people can find it in their hearts to forgive me -- Tom Otterness.�

While it remains to be seen if this will mollify Otterness’ critics, it does appear to be the apology many are asking for.

In the meanwhile, the dedication goes on as planned. “Large Covered Wagon� will be on view through Jan. 4, 2009.

© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2008 All materials posted on BrooklynEagle.com are protected by United States copyright law. Just a reminder, though -- It’s not considered polite to paste the entire story on your blog. Most blogs post a summary or the first paragraph,( 40 words) then post a link to the rest of the story. That helps increase click-throughs for everyone, and minimizes copyright issues. So please keep posting, but not the entire article. arturc at att.net