Thanks for the good wishes on our reno project and all the wise comments on yesterday's post!
These dog statues, with varying interpretations, are sprinkled throughout the city. They are quite imaginative, each with a small white card at its base telling the story of who each statue is commemorating. It's quite moving, though very upbeat and fantastical. These three are in front of the John Hancock building (the tall black building that has the 95th floor observation deck with 360 degree views of the city).
Each of the 200 statues is a 54-inches-tall fiberglass dog. They reflect the K9s for Cops campaign to pay tribute to the canine unit, honor fallen Chicago police officers, provide financial assistance to families of those wounded or killed in the line of duty, and raise money to support the spay and neuter program offered by PAWS Chicago (PAWS Chicago is a no-kill shelter who has been helping care for and place dogs displaced in the recent hurricanes. It's a great organization.) When the exhibition ends, the fiberglass dogs will be auctioned off and they anticipate raising around $250,000 for these causes.
What an excellent way to draw attention to the often-unsung heroes. And so good to hear they'll be fundraisers for such a worthwhile cause when they stop being public art.
What fantastic designs. I remember enjoying some elephant statues in similar patterns that were displayed in different cities around the UK a year or two back. Wonderful things.
LOL! It reminds me of the painted sea lions around Florence. I should photograph some and make a tryptic too. Nice sense of the environment that each is in
I have seen Pigs and Elmers and cows in this style before - all as similar trails in the UK. A great and fun idea to brighten up and add interest to a town or city as well as raising awareness for a cause. I hope the fibreglass dogs raise lots of money at the end.
