Statue of Hindu God In Art Display Provokes Controversy

This week, the city of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho announced its newest art-on-loan program. Fifteen sculptures from around the country are on display in the downtown corridor and City Park for one year, or until they are sold if that is sooner. (Photos of sculptures.) While several of the sculptures have religious themes, the sculpture of the Hindu god Ganesha has created controversy according to reports in the Coeru d'Alene Spokesman-Review and KXLY News.  The head of the Kootenai County Constitution Party encouraged a protest yesterday, saying in a website posting titled "Idols come to Cour d'Alene" that the Ganesha sculpture is an "abomination" which was approved by the "godless group of individuals that manage the art of the city."  Meanwhile, a Hindu spokesman applauded the inclusivity that is represented by the Ganesha statue. (Daily India, 6/10).