Don’t Brake, Just Keep Mooving

Calf art sculptures come to Connecticut’s Quiet Corner

Putnam, CT-- While driving through the streets of Putnam, CT beginning June 12 and through to the fall of 2005, don’t be surprised if you see people braking for calves. Calves? That’s right. Calves!

The Putnam calves are a whimsical sculpture project sponsored by the Putnam Merchants Association (PMA) and the Town of Putnam. The calves will be in town until the last roundup in the fall of 2005 when they will be sold at auction to benefit area nonprofit organizations.

"Calves are, simply put, a symbol of our dairy region in Northeast Connecticut," said Shawn Dinerman, owner of The Furniture Place and chairperson of the Putnam Merchants Association.

The calves will not be mooving around town, so to see all twenty-three the PMA has created a map to guide people through the streets, parks, and other public locales where the sculptures will be on display. "Guide maps are available from association member businesses. You can also pick one up at the Information Booth in front of The Vine Bistro on Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, weather permitting," said Sheri Sochor, owner of Arts & Framing and the treasurer of the Putnam Merchants Association.

Or you can just walk around town and be surprised. "This is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to explore and discover our diverse city," said Putnam Mayor Daniel "Danny" Rovero. "Our downtown area is filled with antique stores, restaurants, art galleries, and specialty shops. Our friendly small town atmosphere sets us apart," Rovero added.

Cynthia Dunne, owner of Root 44 Produce is the chairperson of Putnam’s 150th Celebration Committee. "We sought a way for our two groups to work together. The Calf Project was perfect," said Dunne. "It will get people inspired and excited about our town’s 150th celebration next year."

Putnam’s 150th Celebration Committee sponsored a calf, The Hands of Our Future by artist Carol Rice and the children of Putnam. The spots on the calf feature the children’s handprints and their insightful musings are detailed as well. One child, Emily, wrote, "We are the roots of Connecticut." This calf will be located at the Putnam Town Hall.

As each calf was completed it was stored at the Nutmeg Container Corp. "We also made the cement bases for the calves," said owner Charles Pious. Nutmeg employee Pauline Laprade had the enviable position of being a first viewer. As each calf was delivered it went right past her office. "I was in awe. Each calf is so unique. It’s hard to imagine what they are like. You really have to see them for yourself. They are absolutely beautiful."

Putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Inc. sponsored Driving Miss Daisy created by stained glass artisans Lisa Hennessey and Nancy Neelor. Small pieces of cut stained glass create a finely detailed, mosaic calf.

Vincent van Cogh sponsored by WINY radio was created by Putnam artist Barbara Lussier. ‘The Van Gogh theme was twofold," explained Lussier. "It was a tribute to my father who, when I told him years ago that I wanted to be an artist, said to me ‘Just don’t cut off your ear!’ To this day it is a standing joke with us. But more importantly, I thought it was an excellent opportunity to educate children about art."

"This is a great event," said Mayor Rovero. " It shows what can be done when people work together. The beautiful artwork created with these calves will be talked about for years to come."

For a complete listing of sculptures, sponsors, and artists, contact Shawn Dinerman at 860-428-9301 or e-mail e-mail protected from spam bots. Photographs of calves available upon request.