"Historical" Ducktales Coming to Larchmont

from the Larchmont Historical Society

(February 9, 2006) New York had a cow. Baltimore got crabby, and up in Mystic, CT, they had a whale of a time.

And now, things are looking just ducky for Larchmont this summer

Starting in July 2006, 30 to 40 fiberglass ducks will waddle onto downtown sidewalks and into key locations throughout the Village as part of a Larchmont Historical Society effort to raise both community spirit and funds for a new historical museum. The ducks will remain on display through early October when they will be auctioned off at the LHS 25 th Anniversary Gala.

This week “Ducktales of Larchmont” kicks off as the LHS begins reaching out to local businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor the ducks. The search is on for area artists to customize each of the figures (which will resembe the figure at left.)

“It’s a real win-win for the entire town,” said LHS president, Barbara Rewey Newman. “The duck event will increase pedestrian traffic for Larchmont business owners, showcase local artist talent, promote art, culture and history and generate community spirit for a good cause.”

The LHS is offering “Ducktales of Larchmont” sponsors exposure throughout the event as part of the duck sculptures, in all event materials and on the official Ducktales and LHS websites. Event organizers are also looking for partners to donate goods and services to offset costs.

According to Ducktales co-chair and LHS Board Member, Colette Rodbell, “This idea may be new to our area, but it is a solid event with a formula that has a proven track record for success. We have studied countless other public art festivals and have consulted with Cowpainters for their expertise and planning advice.” Cowpainters, a Chicago-based and women-owned and operated business, manufactures the fiberglass sculptures and offers event management tips as part of their services.

“2006 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Historical Society and we really wanted the event to promote the history of Larchmont and the surrounding area,” said Ms. Rodbell. Artists will be asked to draw on historical information and other cultural influences to create ducks that help tell the “Tales of Larchmont.” Background material will help the artists with their task.

The artists will have more than 300 centuries of history to work with going back to 1661 when John Richbell purchased the property now known as Larchmont Manor from the local Indians. “We hope that Ducktales not only brings a bit of history to life on the streets of Larchmont, but that it illustrates how wonderful it would be to have an Historical Society museum for exhibits, tours and special events,” said Ms. Newman. The group has been researching possible locations in Larchmont for a building that would house the LHS archives (now at the Mamaroneck Town Center) and make the artifacts more accessible.

So far, Ducktales is already garnering support from municipal officials, businesses and artists. “I think Ducktales is a wonderful, creative initiative that will bring fun and excitement to the business district and also benefits an important cause,” said Carol Charney, owner of Carol E. Charney Vintage on Palmer Avenue. “What could be more fun than strolling through Larchmont to see the ducks with a coffee in one hand and a shopping bag in the other?”

And when asked what the Mamaroneck Artist Guild might think of this lighthearted art festival, Director Wendy Porterfield was equally enthusiastic. “MAG is thrilled that the Larchmont Historical Society will be bringing this very unique show to town. We all remember what a success the New York cows were and we look forward to having several MAG artists’ ducks shown around Larchmont this summer!”

The project has also received a smooth sailing report from Mayor Ken Bialo, who had been very impressed with a similar event in Ludlow, VT – The “Llamas of Lludlow”.

The call for artists and sponsors begins this week. Artists can pick up entry forms at The Mamaroneck Artist Guild, and Kenise Barnes Fine Art, both located in Larchmont. The deadline for design submissions is March 29th. Artists whose designs are selected by sponsors will receive a $600 stipend for materials and production.

Event organizers are also seeking several volunteers for various committee positions. Sponsors and other interested parties should call event co-chairs Colette Rodbell (834-5631), Lauren Gottfried (833-3978) or Jenny Gregory (834-9429).

More information and sponsor/artist forms will soon be available to download from the Ducktales website, set to launch next week. Log onto the LHS website to get details: www.larchmonthistory.org.

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