Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Controversy In A Sculpture Garden

Laura Spencer and Julie Denesha — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:15:06 +0000

The 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens garnered national attention in recent months over a bronze statue titled "Accept or Reject." The work, by Chinese artist Yu Chang, depicts a headless, bare-breasted woman holding a camera, pointing it at herself.

City Officials Call Special Session To Discuss Controversial Statue

Laura Spencer — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:40:29 +0000

The Overland Park City Council called an extra meeting for Wednesday night. On the agenda: an executive session to discuss legal issues around controversial statuary at the city’s Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Group Files Signatures To Remove Controversial Sculpture

Steve Bell and Laura Spencer — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 22:56:24 +0000

A grand jury may decide the fate of a life-sized bronze sculpture at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Art Generates Controversy In Johnson County

Laura Spencer — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:03:43 +0000

Prompted by a recent visit to the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with her family, an area resident has started circulating a petition to remove one of the sculptures. The work is called "Accept or Reject" (note: a brass plaque also lists the title as "Choice") by sculptor 余畅 Yu Chang, an artist who also reportedly directs the Guangzhou Sculpture Academy. Overland Park officials say that, at this time, there are no plans to remove it from the Arboretum.