Chucks in Public Places | The Source Weekly - Bend

Chucks in Public Places

Supporting the arts in Redmond

The farmers hate them, the ranchers want them gone, but the kids just can't get enough of the furry little guys. Regardless of how the residents of Redmond feel about rock chucks, no one can argue that their prevalence makes them the perfect mascot for the Redmond community, which is why they were chosen as the subject for the city's most recent art exhibit.

On Wednesday, June 15, the City of Redmond launched a summer-long rock chuck sculpture installation, called Chucks in Public Places, featuring 20 uniquely painted statues. According to Ginny McPherson, assistant project program coordinator for the City of Redmond, the unveiling event was a hit. "There were hundreds of people there...we all had a great time!" says McPherson.

Chucks in Public Places is a project that has been four years in the making. Redmond's Committee for Art in Public Places (RCAPP) came up with the concept based off of similar, but more costly fiberglass installations that had been done in other cities. In order to make the project a reality, Redmond volunteers innovated and created 20 plastic sculptures from a wooden mold hand carved by RCAPP member Betty Jo Simmons. "In the true Redmond way, we have relied on our local talent to produce this extraordinary event," says RCAPP Chair Linda Gilmore Hill. 

During the unveiling, the 20 artists responsible for transforming the sculptures into unique works of art had a chance to make a brief statement about their creations. At the end of the celebration the sculptures were taken to local businesses where they will be displayed until Aug. 19 when they will be auctioned off in an effort to raise funds for future programs of RCAPP. Maps with the sculptures' locations can be picked up at Redmond City Hall and the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.

Chucks in Public Places Auction

Aug. 19, 5-7pm

Urban on 6th St., 432 SW Sixth St., Redmond

541-923-7763