‘Marilyn Monroe’ sculpture moved to Blue Bird Trail

BELLA VISTA — The “Marilyn Monroe” sculpture that was formerly located by Bella Vista Fire Station 1 and City Hall has been relocated due to the construction going on at the former police department.

The Blue Bird Trail on Riordan Road will be the sculpture’s new permanent home. Cassi Lapp, communications director for the city of Bella Vista, said the Bella Vista Property Owner’s Association was responsible for moving and placing the sculpture.

The late Larry Pogue of St. Louis created the 7-foottall sculpture. He donated it to the city in December 2018, and it was installed in April 2019. The sculpture is made of steel and weighs 532 pounds. It features a ring that represents the actress’ four marriages, an interlocking sun and moon that represent her interest in astrology and an upturned curve that is reminiscent of her hairstyle.

The sculpture was the city’s first piece of public art, and several more pieces have followed. The city recently donated the sculpture to the POA, Lapp said.

Pogue died in March 2022.

Renovation of the former police department will create living quarters for fire station 1. Upcoming construction of a new addition will house fire department administration offices as well as city administration offices, according to Lapp.

Also on the Blue Bird Trail are three sculptures that the Bella Vista Arts Council, with assistance from the POA, installed in April 2023. They were leased for a year, and there are plans to lease more artwork in the future.

Rachel Dickerson can be reached online at rdickerson@nwaonline.com.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rachel Dickerson) “Marilyn Monroe,” a sculpture that was formerly located at Bella Vista Fire Station 1 and City Hall, has been moved to the Blue Bird Trail on Riordan Road.