Bulldogs Unleashed to return to Batavia for 2018 encore
The Batavia Library Foundation, the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, and the Batavia Parks Foundation are back in the doghouse together to bring the beloved painted bulldog statues back to the streets of Batavia next summer.
Bulldogs Unleashed II is a public art-based effort to raise community spirit, as well as funds and awareness, for the founding organizations.
"The original effort in 2011 was such a great success for the community, bringing thousands of people to town to see the Bulldogs on display, with $75,000 raised for three key Batavia foundations. Our groups felt the seven-year itch, so decided it's time to do it again," said Steven McKenna, event chairman.
Teaming up with the foundations are new community partners: Batavia MainStreet, Water Street Studios, city of Batavia and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. They will help with celebrations and promotions throughout the year.
The kickoff event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Water Street Studios as part of downtown Batavia's Second Friday. McKenna will speak about the project. Bulldogs Unleashed and community partners will be set up at the Dock from 6 to 9 p.m. Enter through Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., or via the outside stairs on First Street.
Guests are invited to take selfies with select 2011 bulldogs and meet the new litter of bulldog puppy statues. Everyone who comes to the event and follows Bulldogs Unleashed on social media earns a chance to win the pick of the puppy litter. There will be refreshments and a slideshow from 2011 Bulldogs Unleashed at the Dock.
Any business or individual that purchased a Bulldog in 2011 and wants to make it available for the kickoff event, should contact Steven McKenna at s9mckenna@gmail.com.
Volunteers from the participating foundations and community organizations will be on hand to answer questions about the event and to share time-sensitive sponsorship opportunities. The public is welcome to stop by for some doggone fun and to help get the project off to a great start.
The Bulldogs will be "Unleashed" from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2018, with a community celebration and auction event to be held in September 2018.
At the kickoff event, artists can learn more about the statues and the recommended materials they can use. Artist applications will be available, too. Application details are also available on the website www.bulldogsunleashed.org. Artists also may contact George H. Scheetz at (630) 879-1393, ext. 350, or gsheetz@bataviapubliclibrary.org for information about submitting design proposals.
Design proposal review begins Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Bulldog Unleashed sponsorship and outright purchase opportunities exist at all levels. Detailed information can be found on the website, or email request for information to bulldogsunleashed18@gmail.com.
The deadline for sponsoring or purchasing a dog is Friday, Dec. 15.
Keep up with the project via Facebook at BataviaBulldogsUnleashed; Twitter (@BulldogsUn); and Instagram (BulldogsUn), as well as online at www.bulldogsunleashed.org.