Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | March 29, 2007

After putting a 20-foot tall, 3-ton sculpture of a cowboy up for auction online, descendants of the artist decided, instead, to donate the rusting work of art to Charleroi Borough.

For years, the statue by primitive artist James Krutz stood outside a Washington County garage. After the garage was sold, Mr. Krutz's descendants initially chose put the sculpture up for auction on eBay for a price of $20,000.

But Mr. Krutz's granddaughter, Michelle Capozzi of Rostraver Township, later pulled the statue off eBay, and it will instead be displayed as a tribute to Mr. Krutz in Charleroi.

"This thing will be a landmark," said Mayor Frank Paterra, who negotiated the deal. "People from all over the country will come to see it."

Mr. Paterra said he called Ms. Capozzi on Tuesday to talk about donating the statue after a Marine told the mayor that the statue should remain in town.

Krutz erected the sculpture, which he named Big Jim, in 1978 outside of a welding business he operated. Mr. Krutz's son, also named James, was the model.

The building was recently sold and the new owners don't want Big Jim, who has a neckerchief made from steel and a watch fob made from a recycled antique stove. He also has glass eyes, which are in storage, Ms. Capozzi said.

The borough is considering placing "Big Jim" in the center of downtown.

Orginally published online here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07088/773514-100.stm