A beloved artwork on the St. Pete Pier won't be seen for now. Crews began removing the Bending Arc net sculpture Monday after sustaining damages from the last hurricane season. Recently, the St. Pete City Council approved spending $33,000 for its removal. The iconic artwork from renowned Tampa artist Janet Echelman is known for its breathtaking views and mesmerizing shapes it creates. "She's put in amazing work," resident and local artist Amanda Sharp said. "It really breaks my heart." The Bending Arc also pays homage to the quote, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice," from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City staff and council met this past November and said they are in touch with Echelman about the process of rehanging the sculpture someday. Staff noted the prominence of helping make it withstand the forces from the elements even more once it's reinstalled. It was installed in 2020 and consists of more than 1.6 million knots and 180 miles of twine, according to the St. Pete Pier. It also spans 424 feet and measures 72 feet at its peak. The city's deal with Echelman for the sculpture was reportedly $1.4 million. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/st-pete-pier-sculpture-fishing-net-bending-arc/67-9f80225b-5318-497d-b323-64ee40f7150e