After deteriorating in the elements over the years, the popular tree that had been transformed into a work of art outside of the Orillia Opera House has been removed.
The tree, which had become rotten and infested with ants, was removed by city staff on Friday.
The artwork itself had been taken down last year and returned to local artist Jimi McKee, said opera house general manager Wendy Fairbairn.
“That physical piece of art hasn't existed in the tree for over a year,” Fairbairn told OrilliaMatters. “The tree was rotting and covered with ants, so we removed the tree, finally, one year later.”
“The artwork was taken down a year ago and preserved.”
Rumours circulated on social media over the weekend that the tree had been vandalized, Fairbairn said.
“Always good to come to the source,” she said. “Before things starts bubbling out there, make sure you know the facts.”
Although no concrete plans are in place, Fairbairn suggested the former art tree’s site will be used for a new public art installation at some point.
“There's two physical cement stones, so other pieces of artwork … could be on one of them,” she said.
McKee could not be reached for comment.
