For six months at a time, since the spring of 2007, Roeland Park has installed new sculptures by under-the-radar creative types as a simple gesture of art-friendliness. But the latest rotation of public art along Roe Boulevard goes above and beyond its intended thoroughfare enrichment: It protects this trim corner of northeast Johnson County from invaders, cultural and otherwise. Like an ornament on the wall around a Roman stronghold, Shane Jezowski's imposing arachnid tower of metal, wood and rope, "Wandering Form," stands sentry at the northern edge of the city. If it talked, it would say — in a very polite, suburban tone — "Don't fuck with Roeland Park." A mile or so south, the 12-foot-long fiberglass fish titled "Basszilla" gapes at traffic and mocks the nearby crater where the Mission Center mall once stood. Steve O'Hora's piece guards the south end of this artery with a defiant "Yeah, city of Mission, laugh it up." Bassmaster O'Hora wanted to make a realistic-looking metal fish in his toolshed. Well, you did it, dude. After first thinking that his fish was way, way out of water, we've grown accustomed to its face. And we hope Jezowski's "Form" wanders no more. Keep the city safe, RP leaders: Buy these pieces.
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