Cleanup Crew: Big Sewage Creatures

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

What at first appear to be seven abstract sculptures are in fact giant versions of microorganisms found in wastewater treatment.

Sculpted by local artists Allen and Marydee Dodge -- who named their work, "The Cleanup Crew" -- the sculptures were commissioned by the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission in 2011, and placed along the sidewalk outside the city's wastewater treatment plant on July 17, 2012.

Members of the Cleanup Crew include crawling and free swimming ciliates, filamentous bacteria, nematodes, and roundworms. Each is accompanied by a little informative sign, such as: "Rotifer. I am a microscopic, multi-celled aquatic animal. Rotifer means 'Wheel Bearer' since the cilia around my mouth move rapidly like a wheel."

Critics called the sculptures "Poop Art," but the Dodge's were pleased with the result, saying that the Cleanup Crew looked at home in front of the wastewater plant.