Artist asks for return of donated sculpture

Arlene Cartozian donated “Hole in One at Rio Hondo” to the City of Downey in 2004. (City of Downey photo)

DOWNEY — An artist is asking the City of Downey to return a donated sculpture after it was removed and stored in a public works yard.

The artwork, titled “Hole in One at Rio Hondo,” was donated to the City of Downey by artist Arlene Cartozian in 2004. It had been on display at the Rio Hondo Event Center until the facility was renovated.

After renovations, the sculpture was relocated to the public works yard for storage.

“The original artist has requested to have the art work returned,” Parks and Recreation Director Jason Chacon wrote in a report to the city council.

An art appraiser valued the sculpture at between $1,500-$3,000, city officials said.

The City Council will consider Cartozian’s request at its meeting Tuesday.