Staff Writer
HOULTON — Art comes in various forms and for Jerry Cardone it’s through sculptures of what he calls “The Seven Wonders of God’s Creations.”
“I call it seven wonders because we’re all God’s creatures and I believe that God made everything, all creatures,” explained Cardone.
His creations have been seen by anyone traveling in and out of Houlton using Military Street. Large wooden sculptures of Bigfoot, Santa Claus, dinosaurs and other animals line the outer area of Cardone’s property located at the top of Military Street. His work attracts both fans and those who are not so fond of the display he has created over the past 10 years.
On Oct. 22, Cardone has been notified to appear before a judge to discuss the removal of his artwork. The town of Houlton has made the motion to the court, citing his property as an unsightly location that needs to be cleaned up.
“The town of Houlton has issued multiple Notices of Violation on Mr. Cardona’s property located on Drake’s Hill,” explained Town Manager Doug Hazlett. “These notices have been for public health and safety violations. As a result of Mr. Cardone’s failure to correct the violations, he was issued a summons to appear in district court.”
Hazlett added that if the violations could not be resolved at the hearing, the court will appoint a mediator to attempt to resolve the issue, otherwise the town will continue pursuing the proper procedures to resolve the violations.
“While the town recognizes and respects the rights of an artist, we believe those rights can, and should, co-exist within the boundaries of compliance with property maintenance and public safety ordinances,” said Hazlett.
Cardone doesn’t feel his work is in violation, or creating a public safety issue.
“They want me to get rid of my materials and they claim that they’ve had enough of me and they want me out of town and they don’t want me to do no more art,” said Cardone. “They don’t want me to do no more artwork. They say I’m overdoing it.
“I feel I have every right to express my art,” he said.
Cardone believes his First Amendment right of freedom of expression is being violated and wants the town to know that he’s “just an entertainer who wants to create his art.”
“I’ve been doing this about 10 years,” he said. “I’m an entertainer. I do stuff to make people laugh.”
