Showsight - April 2018

Pup-lic Art: Philadelphia’s Streetscape Has Gone to the Dogs

BY DAN SAYERS continued

remain cherished institutions to generations of American families today. Another organization founded in the tavern was commemorated in 2011 when the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia unveiled the National Scottish Immigrants’ Memorial Statue on a small patch of ground just steps away from the site of the old watering hole. Created by local sculptor Terry Jones, the bronze memorial consists of four larger–than–life figures representing a family of immigrants. The clan’s patriarch appears to stride confidently, staff in hand. His wife walks behind, carrying their infant child, as does his rifle-toting son in frontier garb. Nearby, several “standing stones” tell the story of the contributions the Scots have made to the development of a new nation. It is note- worthy that a Deerhound appears alongside the older man. The position of the hound acknowledges the high esteem with which the breed has been held since the 1st century AD. By the time of Scottish immigration to America, the Deerhound had become highly-regarded by poacher and nobleman alike. Many accompanied their masters across the Atlantic in search of a new home in the New World. As for Philadelphia’s bronze Deerhound, he enjoys nearly two acres and a nearby dog park where four-footed friends come to play. A ‘UTILITY’ GROUP Like many modern American cities, Philadelphia’s colonial era streets are bestrewed with utility boxes that efficiently deliver electricity even as they desecrate the landscape. To combat the blight, the Washington Square West Civic Association teamed up with the University of the Arts in a joint venture that’s turned street corner eyesores into free- standing objets d’art . Since 2011, the drab and inconvenient boxes in this historic area have been transformed through

the installation of colorful film wraps depicting everything from fantastic figures to inspirational messages. For dog lov- ers, the most memorable utility box is located at the corner of Ninth and Lombard Streets where several dozen pairs of eyes keep watch. The canine-inspired design is the work of artist Jackie Kloog. “I am definitely a dog person,” Jackie shares when asked about the inspiration for her piece. “I’ve had dogs my whole life and I’ve always considered them family,” Jackie says that many of the images that appear in her design were inspired by friends’ and family members’ dogs. Even her own dog makes an appearance. “Some of them were dogs I grew up with and, of course, Godzilla is on there.” Jackie notes that she wanted her design to include as many different breeds as she could fit while making it fun and interesting. Her design includes characters that are eas- ily identified as a Bloodhound, Bull Terrier, Beagle and Bos- ton Terrier. And just like those familiar purebreds, Jackie’s illustrations are playful too. The whimsy in her work is due in no small part to Jackie’s limited use of color. “I wanted the viewer to have fun searching through the different breeds, not by their typical coat color, but by my line- work,” she explains. The green dogs with their orange noses are a welcome addition to the concrete and asphalt that all but defines the intersection. “I wanted there to be a real- ly fun pop of color,” she says. “So, not only are the noses orange, but they were also sculpted out of Play-Doh and digi- tally added to the image.” Jackie’s wish for her monochro- matic menagerie is only that someone’s day may be bright- ened by her dogs. In the artist’s words, “With how crazy and busy life can be, it’s important to smile and enjoy the little things.” Thanks to Philadelphia’s collection of “pup”–lic art installations, the city’s dog lovers have plenty of reasons to smile.

A Deerhound is part of a bronze sculpture that honors Scottish immigrants to the City of Brotherly Love. 142 • S how S ight M agazine , A pril 2018

Dozens of purebreds are featured on this charming utility box at the corner of Ninth and Lombard Streets.

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