Flying Piggies!

ArtiCulture - where pigs fly.

At ArtiCulture we have a charming little pig tradition. It began back when we were still holding classes in a church basement. We needed to something to hold kids snack money in. (Creative work makes for hungry tummies, don't you know!) We found a plain white piggy bank with wings! That was impressive, but plain white just wasn't going to fly (pun intended). So we slap dash coated it with blue, threw on some puffy white clouds and gave it wings of gold. This piggy is with us today, and is a beloved permanent feature. We still collect snack money in him! (Top photo is of the little pot bellied guy.)

He was instantly popular. Offers to buy and take him home came in regularly. In a moment infused with equal parts silly and creative genius, we decided to make that year's fundraiser out of a dozen flying pigs, painted by our closest artists and teachers. The effort was wildly successful, and thus was born the annual flying pig fundraising auction! 

Each year, for two weeks, the latest flock of dazzingly painted (and still flying!) piggy banks graced us with their presence. Photos are on the side bar, bios and artist credit below.

We invite you to join our e-mail list so you know when next year's crop is on its way in, and keep in the loop about all the other creative and fun things going on at ArtiCulture. You can also find ArtiCulture on Facebook - we love new friends!

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Meet the 2012 Flying Piggies

(photos in order show on sidebar, courtesy of Josh Roberts)

 

 

 

1. Vincent Inspired by the gardens of Saint-Remy, Vincent is imbued with the air and life of the French countryside. His iris-clad exterior evokes a fragrant frolic among the flowers, and is sure to encourage daydreams of picnics in Provence.

 Artist: Meghan Nelson

 

2. Lucy in the Sky Picuture yourself in a boat on a river, and float down stream with Lucy. Lucy soars through marmalade skies,  surrounded by diamonds. Her world is a bright and mysterious one- the creation of a daydreamer. She invites everyone she encounters to forget their worries, relax, and float down stream.

Artist: Lucy Voller

 

3. Dizzy Dizzy is a pig with a terrible case of vertigo and many rambunctious friends whom he so desperately tries to keep out of trouble. As a result, Dizzy leads a sleep deprived (and confusing) existence because of them. It becomes hard for him to remember when night has turned into day, or how the hours have passed so quickly when running with such a mischievous and squirmy crew, for they always are into something.  Things aren't always what they seem, however. Dizzy's crew might think they're always doing something naughty, but what lies behind closed doors is the phone call Dizzy makes to ask permission to root around in a neighbor's vegetable patch, to respectfully inquire to ding dong ditch the Principle's house, and to politely request that they may tip over a trash can in the back alley, IF he promises to clean it up and push it to the curb on Wednesdays for collection. So rest assured, while monster piggies little ears wiggle in anticipation of the falling of the leaves, the cooler nights, and the opportunity for trouble making, Dizzy will nicely call you ahead of time with fair warning....  

Artist: Britt Howe

 

4. Sakura Sakura’s mind is at peace. She sniffs the gentle breezes as she gazes with eyes closed at the innocence of spring. Her soul has awakened and her mind is still. She reminds us of the transient nature of life, to live simply, and with a pure and open heart. Zen Proverb, “When the pupil is ready to learn, a teacher will appear.”

Artist: Emily Taylor

 

5. Elothea Petroglyph She tells many stories. Surely they involve bones, love and the passage from one place to another. Her favorite drink is a Mead made from dandelion honey and she often eats apples, though not the worms. She builds with wood salvaged from ships and calls a house made of mud her home. But no pig sty, no, her home is sprited with jeweled bottles, heirlooms and bright red cabbage that she tussled with her snout. Elothea, holding the story of both a man and a woman is a decidedly interesting companion. If you get her started talking expect it to be a winding long road. Do you know what story she tells? If you do, then she was meant for you.  

Artist: Sarah Frances Michaelson

 

6. Luna Luna is painted after the dazzling Luna Moth (Actias luna). With brilliant green plumage, delicate feathery antennae, and distinctive eyespots on her wings, she is can be a delightful and rare sight evenings in eastern North America. She has a wingspan of over 4 inches, making her one of the largest moths in the region as well.

 Artist: Christina Campbell

 

7. Pigasus Pigasus considers himself to be above the other pigs. He does have a valid point since he hobnobs with the gods. More likely he wants to believe it be so, since he kinda peripherally hangs around them trying to be noticed. His goal for such lofty distinction and grandeur never quite possesses that of his equine cousin’s perfection. Pegasus finally gave in to the relentless begging of this wild bore just to get him off his back—admittedly, the smell alone was a bit too much to be around for too long—and allowed the sharing of his constellation. So, now Pigasus wears this wonderful advantage with great pride and has new hopes that someday, he too, will have the worthy mythological stature deserving of a winged porcine.   

 

Artist: Elizabeth Greenbaum

8. Hee-man (Korean - meaning hope) What you see is a reflection of a piggy named Hee-mang on the surface of water. It is a night of the Blue Moon, which only happens every two or three years. The air is unusually crisp and clear and everything is illuminated by bright moonlight. Hee-mang takes her night stroll to a nearby stream. As she bends, she finds herself reflected on water. It is quite an empowering night.

Artist: Bo Lee

 

9. Stella Stela is the sweetest of all the sugar skull swines in Mexico, there isn't a scary bone to her. This time of year is her favorite because the people of her city are preparing for Dia de los Muertos celebrations and she fits right in! Because of her appearance, she often worries that people will be frightened when it isn't Day of the Dead season...she forgets just how beautiful and delicate her colorful sugar skull features are! Stela doesn't realize that people admire and respect her for representing this meaningful tradition of Mexico all year long. So, if you ever cross her path, fiesta or no fiesta, don't forget to remind her just how special she is!

Artist: Caiti Hunter

 

 

 

 

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Meet the 2011 Flying Piggies!  

(photos on right in order of listing --- click on photo for larger view) 

1. Amelie is a beautiful French piggie who speaks perfect English with an adorable accent. She loves to paint and is quite talented on the flying trapeze. Look for her work in the galleries of Montmartre. On any given day you may find her gazing out her window towards the Eiffel tower, and dreaming of flying.

Artist: Westy Copeland

2. Calavera is el Piggy de los Muertos, is not spooky but brightly decorated in a celebratory honorarium of the pigs that no longer walk this earth.  Though a bit "bony" she is definitely not of slim stature due to her love of enchiladas and mole.  Her festive and colorful decor catch the eye and awaken the senses.  

Artist: Abbey Kleinert

 

3. Chomp is a creepy but friendly monster pig who can't understand why he is so unpopular. Equipped with a very impressive set of steak knife sized teeth, this little horror simply uses them to peel the skin off his favorite fruits, not his friends. On an average rainy day you can find Chomp playing in sewer puddles and lapping up chemical waste. Maybe it's his toxic bad breath that puts others off? He'll never know. At least he has his sewer frolicking to keep his strange, and slightly disturbing chinny chin chin up.

Artist: Britt Howe

4. Fifi is the loveliest and most pampered of all the pigs. She loves to paint her hooves and eat bon-bons all day long. She has many outfits that she changes often to match the boudoir wallpapers of her pig pen. She may be a bit vain, but her heart is just as beautiful as her exterior. She saves her piggy pennies to throw fancy parties for her and all her piggy friends. They eat the finest of all slops, roll around in fancy mud, and dance all night long.

Artist: Lucy Voller

5. Glossy Flossy.  Flossy is a black pig and Flossy is glossy!  When the light is just right and Flossy is in the garden, all the lovely flowers and plants are reflected in her glossy coat.  She becomes the talk and envy of all the other farm animals. And this makes her quite pleased with herself, indeed!  

Artist: Mary Bergherr

6. Hilbert Stubblefield: Likes to tell stories. One of his favorite things to do is sit next to a tree and try to fit in. 'Camouflage Hilbert' is what most other animals call him. Curious that he was born with wings, most pigs aren't. Hilbert thought that they were meant for flying, unfortunately the dementia are a bit funny and he can only master a 3" clearance from the ground. This has not helped him in his camouflage efforts as a somewhat flying pig is even less inconspicuous than a flying or not flying one. In any case, please say hello, he is very friendly and will probably tell you a story about the one time when three people walked past him and didn't even notice him hiding behind a hydrangea. He might also try to kiss  your hand, quite the charmer this one.

Artist: Sarah Frances Michalelson

 

7. Luck is a neo-postmodern day messenger piggie sent from the gods and serves the hood with a mission to unite living earthlings.  When Luck's not chumming it up with the birds and sprites of the hood, he's sending messages of peace, clarity, and insight to peoples in need. His spotted coat is a camouflage adaptation after spending 1,000 years entangled in a vineyard. Luck's release came easily with the help of piggie friends alike.

Artist: Sarah Engen

8. Matilda is the biker babe on everyone's radar. Revving her hog, she cruises the country with wild abandon. Don't be fooled by her edgy exterior, however, as she will gladly make room for you on her bike built for two.  

Artist: Meg Nelson

9. Percy has big plans.  He may have started off as the runt of the litter, but he’s on his way to greatness.  He believed in his hopes and dreams so much, he sprouted wings.   Percy believes in your hopes and dreams too.   Give him a quarter, and tell him your wishes and who knows?  He might just help you make your hopes and dreams come true too.   

Artist: Katie McMurray

 

10. Pig No. 2 (A.K.A. Jack): Meet Pig No. 2 Also Known as Jack. You may know him best as one of the three little pigs that met their demise when a Nasty wolf tested the durability of their newly built homes. Of course we all know how Jack got a bad rap for his poorly built structure and it’s collapse, but he was not one to give up. He has rebuilt his home with love. A home is a cozy place for Jack. Built with natural materials like local sticks and twigs, the home is not only a place that is welcoming but also earth friendly and a beautiful addition to it’s woodsy environment. In homage to the trials and tribulations he has overcome, he has hand sewn a memory quilt to comfort and warm himself with when nasty winds come huffing and puffing at his door.  

Artist: Emily Taylor

11. Sari is the most fashionable piggy that India has ever seen. She is an icon of beauty with her traditional Indian décor that catches the eye of those who pass by. Every day her skin changes to match the different vibrant outfits of women passing through the streets. Her impeccable charm and grace pull you in and invite you to experience the colorful and popular traditions of India’s culture. The glamour and glitz are inescapable, there’s never a dull moment when Sari comes around.  

Artist: Caiti Hunter

12. Vicki's sense of style intertwines her interest in honoring her grandmothers and her contemporary eye with a street scene twist. Her modo is "Keep an eye on your past while developing your future." If you're looking for someone to participate in a cooperative that offers workshops about urban farming or repurposing clothing, she's your gal.

Artist: Aneesa Adams

Photos courtesy of Josh P. Roberts.