Altona’s towering tribute to Vincent van Gogh may be temporarily bare, but it hasn’t lost its place in the hearts of the community.
After last month’s removal of the iconic Sunflowers painting due to weather damage and structural wear, residents had plenty to say about what should happen next.
In a recent Town of Altona survey, 589 residents weighed in on the future of the 76-foot easel that has long stood as a symbol of Altona’s identity. Representing over 13 per cent of the town’s population, the results showed overwhelming support for keeping the landmark alive.
“It does lean towards restoration,” said Altona Mayor Harv Schroeder. “The survey was actually very clear. Of the people who responded, 68 per cent said the easel should remain, and 46 per cent felt it was very important to keep it standing.”
The survey also revealed that people don’t just want the easel to remain—they want it to continue showcasing hand-painted artwork, specifically Van Gogh’s iconic Sunflowers. Sixty per cent of respondents said they would like to see original art displayed on the structure, while 61 per cent supported maintaining the Van Gogh tradition.
The feedback came after February’s high winds tore off an eight-square-foot section of the painting, exposing significant damage. The untreated wood backing had deteriorated over time, leading to paint peeling and structural concerns. For safety reasons, the painting was removed, leaving the steel easel temporarily without its centerpiece.
“We’re in that phase where we’re assessing the damage and talking with the original artist,” Schroeder explained. “He’s expected to come out at the end of the month or in May, along with the insurance adjuster, to evaluate what needs to be done and what the cost will be.”
This isn’t the first time Altona’s big easel has needed care. In 2017, the painting was restored by artist Cameron Cross following a hailstorm, with most of the repair costs covered by insurance.
“I don’t think it’s been made clear enough that the last restoration was actually a hail claim,” Schroeder said. “We only paid the deductible. So, when people say, ‘Stop putting money toward it,’ the truth is, we didn’t foot the whole bill last time.”
Looking ahead, town officials are considering two possible paths: a full restoration using marine-grade plywood, which would give the painting a lifespan of over 20 years, or a more temporary fix using printed wraps, which would last around 8–10 years. The price difference is significant—just over $70,000 for a full rebuild compared to $27,000 for the wraps.
“Right now, we’re waiting for the numbers from the artist and the insurance company,” said Schroeder. “The insurance claim may cover a good amount, but we don’t know the exact portion yet.”
Although residents clearly value the easel, the town must balance priorities carefully.
“It’s a big hit,” Schroeder noted. “You can’t sacrifice things that are necessary to things that are aesthetic. There’s needs, and then there’s wants.”
Council will revisit the topic at its strategic planning session on May 1, with a decision to follow once all the financial details are in place.
In the meantime, the outpouring of support from the community has reaffirmed the easel’s place in the town’s story—not just as a piece of public art, but as a shared symbol of local pride.
“We’ll consider what’s been put before us and take our time,” Schroeder said. “It’s not in the budget for this year, so we have a bit of breathing room. But it’s clear people care deeply about this piece. It’s not just a painting on a structure. It means something here.”
