Blue rubber ducks have been popping up over Bath Township and it’s making a difference within the art community.
The Blue Loop is an art installation in the backyard of Robert Park’s house in Bath, Michigan. It’s located on his wooded property, hidden behind trees full of blue recycled materials following a pathway.
The city sees his property as just junk and it began with a complaint from a neighbor calling his property an “eyesore,” according to Park.
“They went into my backyard, in my woods and they discovered my recycled blue plastic, which they had no concept of it being an art material, so right away their mind goes to well that’s just or trash,” he said.
The ordinance against Park went to court where a judge ultimately decided against Park.
With the help of blue ducks, community members are fighting for artists’ rights.
Mellisa Eggleston, owner of Eggleston Gallery and Studios, has been helping Park in his time of need.
“The community has just been overwhelmingly supportive of him,” she said.
The blue duck wave began with the judge letting Park only keep a blue duck on his property.
“Kind of a silly, ridiculous joke by the judge,” he said. “A duck, everyone says ‘well that’s like a toy or something that’s not trash you know kids could have it in their front yard.'”
The sales of the rubber ducks, signs, and pins supporting Park all go towards helping him pay attorney fees.
Park’s appeal is currently in process, but he believes the township will come to a compromise.