A small colony of pelicans will soon be nesting in Olde Towne Slidell, thanks to a Leadership Northshore class of 2013 project that will raise money to benefit the Children’s Wish Endowment. Almost all of the 24 fiberglass sculptures purchased for the Pelicans on Parade have been sponsored, according to Leadership team member Mike Thiel Sr., but some unexpected logistical concerns have pushed back the public display.
There are some insurance and safety concerns being worked out, Thiel said, and many of the businesses in Olde Towne Slidell where the birds will be displayed, are on city right-of-ways. He said these issues should be resolved and the parade on display in April.
"We're looking forward to showcasing these beautiful works of art," Thiel said.
Pelicans on Parade has engaged local artists to paint one-of-a-kind artworks on the 4-foot tall statues. The project is similar to public art exhibits that have included Cows on Parade in New York City and Streetcar Art in New Orleans. The first Pelicans on Parade works of art were on view during the recent Arts Evening.
“I’m really impressed by the quality of work” being done by the artists, Thiel said. “They’re true to the work the artists submitted for approval.” He estimates the project has already has raised more than $5,000 for Children’s Wish.
Artists participating include Phil Galatas, Cindy and Valerie Strecker, Yuki Northington, Adam Sambola, Jessica Bourgeois, Christine Blanchard Lowrance, Darlene Langendonk, Matt Litchliter, Mile Stephens Asche, Lori Gomez, Caron Sharpe and Elsie Semmes.
Sponsorship of a pelican is $750 and will include a plaque with the sponsor’s name or business. Sponsors who wish to keep the artworks can do so for a total cost of $1,250.
More than 30 artists submitted 50 designs that are available for selection. The local artist will receive a $200 stipend for painting the pelicans. After the artists are finished, the artworks are clear coated with an automotive finish.
So far, most of the sponsors want to keep the unique works of art, according to Leadership Northshore team member Laura Mauffray-Borchert. Others on the Leadership team include Danielle Evans and Jennifer Berger. Their mentors are Rene Arcemont and Catherine Olivier.
Pelicans on Parade will be showcased throughout the Slidell Main Street Corridor and at sponsor locations including Slidell Memorial Hopital, Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore, and Textron, Thiel said. Once the display is over, the pelicans that do not have owners will be put up for auction, perhaps tying in with a Children’s Wish Endowment fundraising event in the fall, he said.
The sponsorship deadline is “rolling,” Borchert said. “There’s no limit on the number of pelicans we’re able to get. We’re only limited by the number of sponsors we’re able to get.”
For information, contact Borchert at 985.640.0101 or Thiel at 985.640.4391 or email mthiel@slidellfire.org.