Butterfly sculpture stolen from park

A metal butterfly sculpture was stolen from the newly restored Gibbs Park on Saturday night, said Leslie Gilson, park restoration coordinator for the Huntington Beach Tree Society.

“We think someone used a metal-cutting tool, cut it and took it that way,” she said. “I’m hoping it’s just kids [that took it] and hope it will show up, but what I think is happening is that people are stealing things for the metal.”

The 5-foot-wide butterfly sculpture was created in 2005 as part of KOCE’s butterfly initiative to promote creativity, Gilson said. She added that the art piece has been at the park for almost four years.

“It’s tragic. It was a beautiful piece,” Gilson said. “I worked all day Saturday and when I went in Sunday morning, somebody said to me, ‘Where’s your butterfly?’…It would take more than one person to cut it and lift it.”

Huntington Beach photographer and silk-screen artist Robin Repp decorated the sculpture for the Tree Society, containing images of the pier, the Newland house and other city landmarks, Gilson said.

She said that she fears the worst, and the Tree Society will be accepting donations to replace the stolen sculpture.

If you are interested in donating, contact Gilson at (714) 335-5051.

—Anthony Clark Carpio