Not only is the original on display at the state fair, but he's joined by a female monster friend at one of the fair's entrances. Then there's the Monster couple above shops near the NC State campus. It's kind of amazing how far the artist behind this has come; from a wanted man to a local hero.

That's right, it looks as though imprisonment and a sentence of community service hasn't dulled NC State student Joseph Carnevale's creativity as the Barrel Monster has now returned to Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. The only difference is this time he's holding hands with a Mrs. Barrel Monster. When did they have time to get hitched and how come we weren't invited to the wedding? Lame. We're totally returning the gift we got. (Hat tip to Andrew!) [WRAL]

The judge in the case deferred judgment which means, if he completes his community service, the charged against Carnevale will be dismissed. Hamlin Associates, the company who owns the construction barrels, did not press charges and actually want their own version of the statue stating "If we'd known he'd do that good of work, we'd have given him the barrels."

In the end, Carnevale claims it was worth all the trouble, though he advises other would-be artists to not "get caught." (H/T to Steve) [WRAL]

Carnevale goes by the name "uliveuburn" and has been a fixture in the Raleigh-area street art scene for a while, notable for his creation of the Boylan Bridge Angry Man. Given the similar theme and creativity it didn't take the local police long to decide the 21-year-old is to blame. The total cost of the damage has been estimated at $360 and a court case is scheduled for July 21st. (H/T to Nerium, Ray) [WRAL, The Smoking Gun]