Dog Art Stirs Up Controversy in Malvern

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The proposed addition of modern dog art meant to create an inviting reading space behind Malvern Public Library was not received well by town residents. Image of examples of the dog art via the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The idea to place a modern dog art lawn behind the Malvern Public Library to create an inviting reading nook has been axed after complaints from residents, writes Julia Terruso for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Kristin Thomas envisioned dressing up the lawn behind the library with a few Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, and four colorful, fiberglass, pop-art dogs.

At first, council members liked the idea when she presented it in April, giving her the green light to proceed. Even the fire chief mirrored their support, offering to raise funds for an artistic fire hydrant to place next to the dogs.

However, some residents did not share Thomas’s enthusiasm. They criticized the proposed design and emphasized that some people could mistake the space for a dog park. Following several hearings and letters from the public voicing their concerns, the borough council finally voted to scratch the dog project.

“Little changes, a little bit at a time, look so incremental we don’t notice them altogether, but in 50 years, are we going to recognize this town?” asked Danny Fruchter, who led the opposition to the dog art.

Read more about the controversial dog art in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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