Tiger Spot gets repairs
Despite orders to remove the spot, Tom Edwards is repairing damaged sections.
Published Sept. 12, 2006
Tiger Spot, the damaged Italian mosaic in the center of Lowry Mall, continues to undergo repairs from local artist Tom Edwards despite an impending move to an undecided location.
Edwards, who began repairing damaged tiles along the circumference of the circular mosaic on Sunday, said he is making a template of the necessary tiles he would need to smooth over damaged sections.
Edwards said he is aware of the move and that he has no problem with it.
"If they want to move it, I'm fine, I'm all for it," Edwards said.
Edwards said the concrete that initially secured Tiger Spot at Lowry Mall has caused many of the outer tiles to crack. He also said when the poles and chains system that guards the outside of Tiger Spot was installed with a jackhammer, the constant vibrations contributed to the damage.
MU spokesman Christian Basi said no developments have been made in regard to the future of Tiger Spot. He said it is unclear if the mosaic could be moved to the new student center after renovations to Brady Commons are completed in 2010.
"We do want to get it removed and have this area on campus finished and finalized as soon as possible," Basi said. "A lot of that depends on the piece of art work that could be damaged in the process."
In July, MU Chancellor Brady Deaton ordered the removal of the Tiger Spot after Missouri Students Association President John Andersen sent a letter requesting the action earlier in the month.
MU spokeswoman Mary Jo Banken said in July that MU has spent more than $87,000 from private donor funds for repairs of Tiger Spot since it was installed. The university also spent $11,096 from its general operating fund to install a trench drain on Lowry Mall. The drain was scheduled for repair despite the mosaic, Banken said.
Edwards said he was doing the repairs for free and that his wife doesn't approve.
