If the residents of Tryon had pooled their money and purchased a painting by Monet, would we allow individuals to then hang items on the painting? 

I think not.

Instead of purchasing a painting, the people of Tryon purchased a sculpture of Nina Simone. This sculpture is a work of art, not a mannequin.

Therefore, I ask the mayor and council members of Tryon to remove the pearls and other paraphernalia from the sculpture. Just as they passed a resolution that signs cannot be placed on Morris, I ask that they pass a resolution stating that no one may add anything to this beautiful work of art.

Robbie ter Kuile, Tryon