Thin Blue Line Sculpture by Michael Stutz, Richmond Police Headquarters
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The Thin Blue Line is a sculpture of a police officer’s head in downtown Richmond, VA. This 12-foot tall woven stainless steel piece of art is on the wall of the Richmond Police Department Headquarters. It was created by Michael Stutz. It livens up what can only be described as a very utilitarian plain grey concrete facade.
The sculpture is meant to project “a very human aspect to the police force,” said Stutz at the time of the unveiling in February 2005. “But, at the same time, it’s a face made out of steel, so it’s very strong.”
Thin Blue Line Sculpture by Michael Stutz, Richmond Police Headquarters
– Click on the image to enlarge or purchase –
It is one of a number of public art projects located throughout the city of Richmond. In 1997, the City Council mandated that a 1 percent allocation from the city’s capital budget be earmarked for art in renovation and construction projects exceeding budgets of $250,000. This particular work or art is one of the most expensive pieces purchased under this program. It cost the city $140,000.
Richmond has some beautiful buildings such as the famous Tredegar Iron Works and the lesser known Centenary United Methodist Church. Add these public arts projects and the city becomes a very interesting place to visit. I found it was a very easy city to walk around making a few days stay well worth the time.
