This Seattle-themed penguin statue was painted by a local artist (unknown but we're still searching!). "Penguins on the March" was a fundraiser for Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo's new penguin exhibit back in 2009. Artists from the Greenwood Art Collective volunteered to submit hand-painted art penguins that would be auctioned off and then gradually migrate across Seattle neighborhoods.
Each is unique as the artist who submitted to the project! This little one stands 22 inches tall and features some of Seattle's attractions; The Space Needle, references to the Duwamish Tribe's Totem work, The Pacific Science Center, The Seattle Sonics logo, a Seattle ferry, Boeing's 747, Sound Transit's Light Rail among other sights.
Here's the original press release from June 2011:
"Come see dozens of these colorful and inventive penguin artworks unveiled this Friday, when Woodland Park Zoo and The Greenwood Collective launch our community art project—Penguins on the March.
Sixty-two artists from across Seattle, ranging in ages 8 to 80, designed and decorated these 22” penguin statues that will migrate across Seattle neighborhoods this summer.
But first, they’ll be unveiled at the base of the Space Needle on Friday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, and later that evening at The Greenwood Collective during the Art Walk, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Both events are free to the public, so come on by!
Then the penguins will migrate to outdoor locations across Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, and Phinney Ridge throughout the summer, spreading art and wildlife awareness. And brightening your day!
Inspired by Woodland Park Zoo’s all-new Humboldt penguin exhibit, these colorful art ambassadors will later be auctioned off to raise funds for Woodland Park Zoo’s wildlife conservation programs, protecting endangered species and habitats in 50 countries around the world."
This guy is super heavy! They were filled 50% of the way with cement and finished with a weather-resistant coating as they were designed to be displayed outdoors. It would make a great door prop for a local small business or a neighborhood lawn ornament. He's in great condition. The art is vibrant and I find no notable damage.
Unsigned
22 inches tall
15 inches diameter at the base
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