NORTHAMPTON — The bronze owl on Main Street will stay off its perch for the foreseeable future as police continue their investigation into the June vandalism of the sculpture.

The bronze owl sculpture, dubbed “The Queen of Main Street,” was broken off its perch at the legs on the night of June 19. A man reported the incident to police around 9:45 p.m. and told officers he saw another man push over the owl and then get into a vehicle.

Police still have the owl and are still investigating the incident, Northampton Police Capt. John Cartledge said Thursday.

The sculpture was unveiled in September 2012 on the one-year anniversary of longtime Northampton businesswoman Eva Trager’s death. The sculptor, Gregory Stone, died in September 2016.

The statue pays tribute to Trager’s legacy and also honors those who helped contribute to the revitalization of Northampton with plaques that are installed biennially.

The Eva Trager Memorial Committee announced Thursday it would be accepting nominations of people who have made their mark on downtown as usual despite the vandalism. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 1 and the dedication ceremony will be held in September. More information can be found at www.evatragermemorial.com.

“Things are moving along on their natural course for September,” said Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

Beck said the artist who helped Stone complete his work “Hope,” which is displayed on the lawn of the Hampshire County Courthouse, has offered to repair the damaged sculpture before the September ceremony.

Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.

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