Attendance was sparse for the dedication of the controversial kraken art sculpture in Oak Harbor last week.

Even the artist didn’t make it.

About 10 people came to watch or participate in a ceremony and ribbon-cutting organized by the Oak Harbor Arts Commission.

“Unfortunately, the artist, Bill Hunt, won’t be able to make it up,” said arts commission chair Skip Pohtilla. “He called and left a message … that he’d love to be here but he’s got other things that are a little higher priority.”

Hunt, a notable wildlife bronze sculptor who lives in Depoe Bay, Ore., was preparing for an upcoming art show, Pohtilla said.

In Oak Harbor, Hunt was commissioned to create a piece of public art that would catch people’s attention as they enter historic downtown along Pioneer Way.

The piece, which cost the city $33,000, created instant controversy with a copper and steel sea monster swallowing a Nautilus submarine in a Navy town.

It also was criticized for its brightly colored base, which has since been toned down.

“We were looking for something that was a little more on the edge,” Pohtilla said.

Bob Severns, Oak Harbor city councilman, likes it.

“It’s been an interesting, somewhat controversial piece of art,” Severns said, “but I think that’s part of what art’s all about. It’s been fun.”