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It’s nearly three years since I dreamed up a
little project for our staff to do for the First Flight Centennial. "What do
you think of a big public art exhibit?" I asked.
 "You know, it’d be on the order of the mermaids
in Norfolk or Cow Parade in New York and Chicago, except that we’d have
horses — with wings."
Outside of Bad Barracuda’s in Nags Head is this
monarch-winged bronze beauty, painted by artist Jean Hopkins. (Photo by Steve
Alterman)
My co-workers — bless ’em — responded
enthusiastically. "How are we going to pull that one off?" someone (I think it
was Greg Bailey) asked. As in most of our undertakings, we chose to write
about it first. Once we put an intention in print, it’s like making a
contract with ourselves. It also serves to generate public response. And
response we got.
From the beginning, response from interested artists
and sponsors, plus select local officials was overwhelming. Then there were
those officials who suggested that we refer this project to a committee, to
make it a bureaucratic endeavor. We said no. I underwrote the project through a
home equity loan and we got the Winged Horse Extravaganza off the
 ground, so to speak, without one committee
meeting. We did, however, drink a lot of coffee at Southern Bean while
discussing the event.
Artists Sara Birkemeier and George Scott were inspired by
collagraphs to decorate Collie, who inhabits Island Bookstore in
Corolla. (Photo by Sara Birkemeier)
Thankfully, Tricia Ibelli showed up as if on cue and
inquired about a job. "So what’s your dream job?" I asked. I don’t
know if this was quite what she had in mind, but Tricia has proven to be
indispensable as our WHE project director. She has fulfilled orders, organized
parties, arranged for horse moves, fielded interviews, consulted on wing
attachment, ordered concrete, and has responded to a deluge of e-mails and
telephone calls. Amazingly, it’s turned into a project with a whole lot of
heart.
Even though the project is one huge art installation,
each horse has a remarkable story behind it. Some sponsors have purchased
horses in memory of family members, others in celebration of overcoming grave
illness, and some have even have written poetry about their horses. It’s
certainly not just about business, although as the season progresses, more and
more people will be visiting the businesses where horses stand sentry. As of
this writing, more than 100 horses have been purchased by business owners,
families and individuals for display from Corolla through Ocracoke. Each
sponsor has taken up the reins to institute a proactive, personal role in this
centennial celebration. They know that they can make a difference here, and
they’re just going ahead and doing it.
Horses will remain on display until mid December,
where they will be "rounded up" and displayed together. Sponsors not only have
the option of whether to then donate their horses for a public charitable
auction, but they may also specify which local charities they wish to benefit
through the sales of their horses. If a charity is not specified,
 the bulk of the sale proceeds will go
toward
Icarus International’s Monument to a Century of
Flight, while a portion will benefit the
Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
Pegasuits, decorated by artist Michael John Davis,
stands outside Birthday Suits at the Beach Barn in Kill Devil Hills. (Photo by
Steve Alterman)
A publication devoted entirely to the Winged Horse
Extravaganza, Fly by Night, will be available the end of June at
sponsors’ locations and at the new Fly by Night store/gallery at Southern
Shores Crossing. In addition, commemorative books, postcards, posters and
related products will be at the store/gallery and on our Web site.
While the Winged Horse Extravaganza is in full flight,
it’s not too late to get in on the action. Orders for horses will be taken
indefinitely. If you’re interested in being an artist or sponsor, or if
you simply want more information, contact Outer Banks Press at (252) 261-0612
or (888) 261-4411. Further information on accompanying celebrations, including
a children’s art contest, will be posted at www.outerbankspress.com.
(Note: all horse designs are licensed by Outer Banks
Press. Please look for company endorsement on all official products. Outer
Banks Press welcomes license inquiries, and will assist in promoting and
selling products created by licensees.) |
