The “Cry Baby Cry” statue is without a home once again…maybe.
The $250,000 publicly funded art project depicting a 20-foot crying baby on a bicycle is no longer bound for private property in east Tulsa, according to Councilor Christian Bengel.
“The baby isn’t getting adopted in east Tulsa,” said Bengel, who represents the area.
Bengel says Mayor Monroe Nichols’ office informed him Thursday the project was officially off the table for east Tulsa.
Bengel says there are contractual parameters that require the art piece to be placed on Cry Baby Hill near Riverside — where the statue was initially planned. The statue was originally set to be anchored by a 50-room retro-inspired hotel at 815 S. Riverside Drive, but the city announced the developer was no longer moving forward with that proposal last July.
Councilor Laura Bellis, whose district includes Cry Baby Hill, said she understands the importance of honoring city contracts.
“I’m glad there is flexibility that allows for it to be placed on the bottom of the hill instead of the very top,” she said. “Cry Baby Hill has so much potential and is an iconic part of our city, I hope we can focus on future possibilities of this city-owned land.”
The much maligned statue has been the subject of community debate since it was first announced in August 2024 — starting with community pushback over the design.
The latest controversy involved upheaval in the Tulsa Arts Commission after the now-former chairwoman spoke out about the city bypassing ordinances that guide how and where public art can be displayed. She claims the mayor opted not to reappoint her after her term expired in December due to her comments — an accusation his office denies.
The Flyer requested comment from Nichols’ office and Arts Commissioner Pam Deatherage but did not hear back prior to this story publishing. The story will be updated if we hear back.
This story has been updated with comment from Councilor Laura Bellis.
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