Buried Treasure 2014

Hello! Happy to be participating in Seth Apter's sixth annual Buried Treasure Creative Blog Hop! 
Seth writes: Buried Treasure is about digging deep to uncover some hidden gems. 
And he encourages participants to re-post one or more of their favorite posts.

Today I'm sharing a project near and dear to my heart that combined three of my passions: art, maps and dogs!

In October of 2012, I was asked by the Animal Protective Association of Missouri to participate in The Harry & Hanley Project: a public art project celebrating the 90th year of the APA of Missouri bringing people and animals together, featuring 20 larger-than life dog and cat sculptures created by Harry Weber and custom designed by St. Louis artists. 

So in October 2012, Bruno and I got a new 4-foot roommate!

For my design, I deconstructed St. Louis area maps, cutting these maps into hundreds of mosaic-like pieces approximately 1-inch in diameter. Then I rearranged and reorganized these pieces, collaging them onto the surface of the sculpture using polymer medium. Finally, I coated the entire exterior with a transparent varnish with UV-filter, making the sculpture weather-resistant, easy to clean and scratch-resistant, too!

As I created this piece, I thought of Daphne and Bruno – my own rescue dogs – and the immeasurable amount of unconditional love they’ve given to me. Daphne was a 4-year-old stray; no one knew her history. The vets even estimated her age by her teeth. And for little Bruno, I am his 4th home; he was relinquished by 2 previous families, then stayed with a foster-mom until he found his way to me and his forever-home. This sculpture is a tribute to them and the special relationship between all people and animals.

On June 22, 2013, The Harry & Hanley Projects were revealed at Busch Stadium as part of the Purina Pooches In The Ballpark Day! The sculpture I designed greeted passerbys in Ford Plaza!

Then on July 3, 2013, Steve Kaufman (right), executive director of the APA of Missouri, and Delray Nichols, APA information technology director, installed my sculpture at the Kirkwood Train Station.
Love that this map-covered pooch spent that summer in this location!

The 20 sculptures of The Harry & Hanley Project were reunited again in September 2013 to be displayed at the entrances of the Saint Louis Art Fair before being autioned at the APA's 90th Anniversary Birthday Bash at The Contemporary Art Museum! All proceeds from the aution went to the pets and programs of the APA.

I feel so honored to be a part of this awesome project!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Mary