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Famous Waddell Sculptures Stolen for Scrap Metal

Artist John Waddell was shocked when eight of his massive sculptures went missing last month.

The larger-than-life bronze figures, weighing at least 3,000 pounds, were stolen from his ranch in Sedona, Ariz.

Known as "industrial looting," Waddell is the latest victim in a series of crimes targeting high-profile sculptors.

Waddell, 86, suspects the thieves stole the pieces for their copper. The metal retains as much as 90 percent of its value when it is melted down.

The pieces, known collectively as The Gathering, are worth more than $500,000 as art. Waddell believes the metal alone isn't worth more than $5,000.

Remaining sculptures in the series have been relocated next to the sculptor's house. A locked gate will soon surround the property.

Waddell plans to continue creating art for public display. But the last few weeks have left him pondering his legacy.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Daniel Kraker

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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