Artist, pig root through controversy

It takes years for some people to drive their cars into the ground. It took John Corneal less than a month.

State College's resident yard-artist and chiropractor beat the lawn refuse ordinance slapped on him last month that would have forced him to remove the bisected white Volkswagen wedged into the side of his 523 S. Atherton St. yard.

But some people question whether the debate is the product of local government hard at work or local government just working hard at censorship.

"The hearing made me laugh," Corneal said. "It was so absurd."

Finding the humor in situations is what first inspired the yard artist. His first venture into art last year started with a dream, a concern and a hot-pink pig.

Although aimed at poking fun at the official State College Centennial Sculpture of three pigs, Corneal said he tried to address a larger issue.

"The pig was just a fun piece. It came out of the absurdity of having a pig for a centennial monument," Corneal said. "You could feed a lot of people (with the money spent on the pig)," he said. "You can see the waste in this country."

Corneal said hypocrisies in society are what drives him to sculpt.

"This whole issue is with the borough," Corneal said. "The artwork is a reflection of what's happening in the community."

Corneal, a former race-car driver, was armed with a vision and a mechanic friend willing to sacrifice a scrapped automotive project. As a result, Corneal's controversial car piece entitled Progress was born.

But some people question whether the "art" is more worthy of the junkyard than the front yard. Regardless of its aesthetic value, Bill Kelly, associate professor of integrative arts, said Corneal has a right to display his sculptures.

"People lodging the complaint don't seem to see how it's the Constitution that allows them to register their complaint," he said. "Once you make an exception, all exceptions are possible."

Kelly added that he thinks the State College Borough Council decision to allow the yard art to stay was the most responsible choice.

"The First Amendment guarantees are of extraordinary importance," Kelly said. "If we're going to err, it's better to err on the side of constitutional protection."

Despite the controversy, Corneal said community sentiment has not been all negative.

"Most people I run into love it," Corneal said. "Parents tell me their kids make them drive by it on the way to school."

But some people have reacted less favorably to the lawn ornaments.

Even though State College Mayor Bill Welch had no part in the decision, he has his own opinion.

"My take is that it's unattractive and that it doesn't belong in art," Welch said. "I think Mr. Corneal will eventually tire of it."

Corneal, a former University student, has lived in State College since 1968. He has seen how widespread urbanization has affected a town once based primarily upon agriculture.

- John Corneal

What was a result of this frustration has turned into a battle of free expression.

Corneal's plight has received national attention. Appearing as a guest on radio stations in Boston, San Francisco, Detroit and Memphis, Corneal said the kitsch value has overshadowed the real issue.

"This is my property. This is my yard. It's a question of individual rights and property rights as well," Corneal said. "My individual rights are my property rights."

Despite the debate, neighborhood resident Helgi Townsend (senior-anthropology) said she feels the yard art adds visual interest to her block.

Although she may not understand Corneal's intentions, she said she supports the council's decision. She added that the debate about the subject was the real issue.

"It's ridiculous. If it's his land, he should be able to do whatever he wants," Townsend said. "The people who think it's not art probably voted for Jesse Helms."

Undaunted by the threat of being censored, Corneal plans to erect a sign this summer proclaiming his property "The Community Art Yard."

The follow up to Progress, another car piece, was scheduled to already have been unveiled. The presentation has been delayed by the unavailability of construction workers to lay a concrete foundation to support the piece.