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Berkeley, California: Protesters - Berkeley's Big People Statues (Gone)

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Directions:
On I-80 just south of the University Ave. exit and overpass, at the West Berkeley Gate pedestrian - bicycle bridge overpass. From south: University Ave. exit, turn right at end of ramp onto 2nd St., then right onto Addison St.; parking lot on left. From north: University Ave. exit, follow signs off freeway toward Berkeley Marina, then immediately turn left (south), then immediately turn right into dirt parking lot.
Hours:
Nov. 2020: Removed
Status:
Gone
Protesters - Berkeley's Big People Statues

An elaborate pair of large sculptures included tributes to the legendary protests of Berkeley. The statues were taken down in Nov. 2020.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [03/13/2009]

Visitor Tips and News About Protesters - Berkeley's Big People Statues

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Berkeley's Big People.

Berkeley Big People

According to a news story in Berkeleyside, the Berkeley Big People are in big trouble. The city's Civic Arts Commission has voted to remove the multiple-figure sculptures -- one which feature 28-foot-tall versions of Berkeley protestors and tree-sitters -- from their long-time perch on both sides of a pedestrian bridge above I-80. The sculpture is the most expensive piece of public art in Berkeley's history, and the Commission decided that the cost to maintain it would cripple the Commission's budget. Unhappy Big People artist Scott Donahue, according to Berkeleyside, wrote an email to the Commission demanding a "full, public discussion of the artwork's meaning," but it may already be too late for that, and the sculpture may be gone before the end of the year.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 08/16/2019]
Protesters - Berkeley's Big People Statues

These statues are hideous (from a local resident's perspective). However, the pedestrian bridge they are located on is nice and often hosting some protest, like banner waving, to the freeway below. You can cross over, walk a bit and be at the beautiful Berkeley Marina to enjoy the gorgeous view of San Francisco Bay.

[Dawn, 02/05/2010]

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