POP! History: Where it Came From
Photo by Ron Larson
POP! Backstage
Members of the POP! Steering Committee that produced the first full-sized POP! pelican (in foam) in Stefan Savide's Avian Design Studio, in March 2005 included: William Huntsman (marketing), Cindy Deas (Oregon/California, community coordinator & consultant), Stefan Savides (POP! sculptor), Kathy Larson (lead POP! coordinator), B.J. Matzen (Klamath Wingwatchers and legal counsel), and Eric Nobel (City of Klamath Falls Planning Department), Lin Warner (Director of Third Thursday Artwalk) and Ron Larson (POP! photographer and consultant).
POP! Timeline: Once POP! was a "GO" - a 6-month, advance schedule was critical for the timely progression of the POP! project in order to meet the July 2005 deadline of exhibiting the first decorated pelican for Centennial Days celebrations in Veterans Park. This involved strict adherence to deadlines every step of the way (with minimal leeway), working around Stefan's busy traveling schedule, and continually monitoring and encouraging everyone!
Why POP!?: It was a unique, public art fundraiser that focused on the Klamath Basin (southern Oregon and northern California) as a top birding hotspot in the West. We are proud of our White Pelicans, and privileged that they nest here in the summer, and want to keep it that way for future generations. Through the POP! art project, we brought people together in a positive way, boosting community pride, and raising awareness of the wealth of birds in our area, and how we can protect them. POP! also showcased the extraordinary talents of our local area artists whose exceptional creativity now highlights our town.
Ignorance is Bliss: Had we known all the roadblocks we'd face, we may never have attempted this project. The key to success was to have a core of "believers", with a lead "driver" who was able to effectively resolve each obstacle (with counsel from a dedicated steering committee), and continue - unwaveringly toward the ultimate goal.
No Turning Back: Through community engagement and funding support, POP! progressed, with no turning back. A refreshing excitement filled the town, with each eye-catching pelican put on display. A new momentum drove POP!. Yet for the POP! Steering Committee, certain endeavors remained a constant. Public outreach was a priority. Displays and promotions continued at numerous community events, enhanced by one-on-one persuasive recruitment. Weekends were worked. Meetings consumed the days. Leisure was lost. Passion for POP!'s success pushed us on!
Funding - ongoing needs: We are very grateful to the sponsors for belief in POP! and supporting the artists, which in turn enlivens the arts and sciences and community goodwill. POP! proceeds will enhance future Klamath Wingwatchers' educational projects in partnership with numerous community groups.
POP! Took Flight
(Dream to Reality)
Whale sculptures leaping from city sidewalks in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada inspired the Pelicans on Parade (POP!) project for Klamath Falls, Oregon. The colorfully painted, fiberglass whales were a real eye-catcher in 2004, charming both residents and visitors along Victoria's scenic harbor front and bustling downtown streets.
Dreaming of something similar for her hometown in southern oregon, Kathy Larson - a bird enthusiast - thought about her City's mascot - the American White Pelican. She began talking up the idea with the nonprofit birding group to which she belonged, Klamath Wingwatchers, as well as with local artists and community groups.
People were excited about the idea, so Kathy contacted world-renowned, Klamath Falls' bird artist Stefan Savides about designing a pelican. Stefan liked the idea, and within weeks, had sculpted several small sitting pelicans out of clay. When Kathy saw them, she suggested a more vertical form which would lend itself to a more open and symmetrical canvas for the artists. Stefan just pinched off some new clay pieces and moments later had the basic shape for an awesome flying pelican.
We decided to sell limited edition resin-cast replicas of Stefan's original clay model to start raising money for POP. Stefan generously agreed to give the POP project one third of proceeds from each pelican we sold.
Start-up funds were also sought by submitting a proposal to the City under the "Klamath Falls Community Grant Program 2004." However, due to intense competition from other grant projects for the City's Centennial Celebrations, we were not funded. We were downcast and debating what to do, when Cindy Deas - a consultant and organizer for the Klamath/Lake/Modoc/Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Working Group - made a phone call to a special person who gave hope to make the project soar!
That special person was Diana Kellstrom, Chairwoman of the City's Centennial Committee and wife of Klamath Falls Mayor Todd Kellstrom, who had seen our pelican model at an outdoor event just weeks before and who really liked the POP idea. Diana generously offered to take a proposal to the City of Klamath Falls Centennial Committee to provide $1800 in the form of a challenge grant to kick the pelican project back to life. Thanks to her belief in POP, we proceeded with renewed vigor and optimism to challenge individuals, groups, and businesses to match these funds. And wow - what a response we had!
POP became a reality. And like billowing clouds, the POP project expanded into the community though zestful promotions and numerous outreach events. Many thanks to our gifted marketing guy - William Huntsman, of Dungeon Press - who transformed our ideas in splendid arrays of text and photos to the community.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to B.J. Matzen, recently retired President of Klamath Wingwatchers, and to Lin Warner, Director of Third Thursday Artwalk in downtown Klamath Falls. Special thanks also goes to Ron Larson - official POP photographer and consultant. Top thanks goes to Stefan Savides - creator of the pelican, and to our talented artists and their sponsors! We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals working energetically in an excited community devoted to the success of POP!
Eventually we surpassed Diana's challenge of getting 10 pelicans embellished for 2005 (supported by sponsorhips at $1800 each, with $500 stipend to artists), and we were deeply moved by the way our community embraced the POP project. We still need additional funds to cover the initial $ 7500 casting costs to create and transport the pelicans, and welcome your tax-deductible contributions made payable to the 501c (3) nonprofit: Klamath Wingwatchers.
Sponsors selected their artist and design from a pool of submitted artwork from local artists in the Klamath Basin (southern Oregon and northern California). Beginning in July 2005, the decorated pelicans began appearing in parks and downtown areas of Klamath Falls.
We since discovered that pelicans have also been used in art projects in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. These were artful pelicans - but very different than the true-to-life, anatomically correct, and inspiring form of our dazzling White Pelican.