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Buried Treasure 2014

6/11/2014

17 Comments

 
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.
Buried Treasure
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!
Harry & Hanley
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!
Harry & Hanley
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.
Harry & Hanley
Harry & Hanley
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!
Harry & Hanley
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!
Harry & Hanley
Harry & Hanley
Harry & Hanley
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.
Harry & Hanley
I feel so honored to be a part of this awesome project!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Mary
17 Comments
Michelle Mathey link
6/11/2014 01:51:53 pm

Mary - Excellent job!! How exciting for you!

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rebeca link
6/12/2014 12:35:19 am

beautiful.!
what did you name him? (maybe i missed it in the post)
how many finished pieces were submitted and were all the sculptures auctioned off?
great job.congratulations!

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Lin Collette link
6/12/2014 01:38:34 am

I have been wondering how best to do a project like this - thanks for the very helpful tutorial - it's an amazing piece

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Juana link
6/12/2014 01:59:47 am

I enjoyed reading about this project from start to finish. What wonderful benefit for animal rescue! And so happy your Daphne and Bruno finding a forever home with you.

visiting from seth's buried treasure hop.

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Cathy link
6/12/2014 11:22:06 am

This is a wonderful post for so many reason - love how he turned out!

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~*~Patty's Magpie Nest link
6/12/2014 12:35:35 pm

WOW what a fabulous creation ...
enjoyed your post very much!

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Stacey Merrill link
6/12/2014 01:27:43 pm

That is so cool! What a fun project & love how it came out

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Bleubeard and Elizabeth link
6/12/2014 06:47:33 pm

This appears to be a fantastic project. As an animal lover (pretty obvious since my "better half" of my blog is a cat), I fully support and appreciate what you did. The idea of creating this dog from maps made it so he will never be lost. The other entries look fun, but yours seemed to have heart. At least the heart of St. Louis!

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Jennifer link
6/12/2014 08:50:39 pm

What a wonderful project to have participated in! Love that you chose this for your buried treasure. Enjoy!

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Debbie
6/12/2014 09:35:18 pm

It was obvious that this was a true work of the heart for you! So creative to use the city maps, too. Thanks for sharing this post.

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Lindi Stevenson link
6/13/2014 12:47:57 am

Mary, so fun to find you through Buried Treasure! Love your dog! Will be checking back often!

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Patti Edmon link
6/13/2014 10:11:39 am

Wow, your piece is fabulous!!! What a great honor, to represent all of us dog-lovers out here!
Thanks for visiting me - I'll be back :)

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Jackie p Neal link
6/13/2014 07:30:54 pm

Mary, what a great post to pick for Buried Treasure! Poor Bruno must have been sad when his big buddy had to leave! teehee Beautiful work on Hanley! Jackie")

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Marjie Kemper link
6/14/2014 04:50:59 am

Mary! What an extraordinary project... I love it and I am SO glad you shared via Seth's Buried Treasure theme. This is fantastic!

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raylee link
6/14/2014 01:15:36 pm

wonderful story, & the artwork too!

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johanna link
6/14/2014 09:52:31 pm

a good choice to re-post this one! love your artwork and you really can be proud of it!

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claire hyman link
7/28/2016 02:35:06 pm

Mary, I saw this now for 1st time. Congratulations for being published in the Maps Mag, and speck Brava for your wonderful map furred dog. I too created a piece for eeither the? SPCA or APA several years ago. , a Kitty Tree, photo on website, not on my phone. I do donate to Stray Rescue, as do several artist friends. Love and caring for furry friends well being motivates us. Yours is lovely, as is process. Are the dogs fiberglass?

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    About Me
    I love creating mixed-media art layered with maps! This blog is a place for me to share my work and what inspires me. Read more here.
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