Artist Sentenced For Violating 'Private Parts' Rule
Man To Pay Fine, Spend Time In Jail
POSTED: Thursday, February 17, 2005
UPDATED: 5:28 pm EST February 17,
2005
A Roseville artist learned in court Thursday his fate for a painting a mural that contained nudity.
Edward "Gonzo" Stross (pictured, left) was sentenced to pay a $500 fine and spend 30 days in jail.

Stross painted a mural on the side of his studio at Utica and Gratiot that shows God reaching out with his hand, surrounded by cherubs and a naked woman that represents the biblical Eve, according to a report from
The Macomb Daily.
Stross' painting violated a condition in a 1997 zoning variance that stated that no "private parts (genitalia)" could be included in the mural.
City leaders told the paper the painting was another attempt by Stross to goad them and violate codes regarding nudity and signage.
Officials reportedly granted Stross a zoning variance in 1997 allowing him to paint on the side of his studio, but the conditions stated no "private parts (genitalia)" could be painted on the wall and no lettering would be included, according to the paper.
Stross, who was inspired by Italian master Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel work, argues that his mural stays true to the original.
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