“The Dedham Rabbit’’ became known around 1894, when the Chelsea Pottery Co. moved to Dedham and became Dedham Pottery. Work created by the company was characterized by a signature crackle glaze, cobalt blue designs, and a crouching rabbit.
“This project will help Dedham claim the crouching rabbit as an icon or brand,’’ said Paul Reynolds, a local selectman and organizer of the project. “Salem has its witches, Boston has its teams; Dedham needs to claim the rabbit because it represents our heritage in the arts.’’
He added that the arrival of the first bunny “officially launched the project.’’
Each fiberglass figure will be sponsored by a local individual, business, or organization, decorated by an area artist in the medium of his or her choice, and then placed around town. Reynolds said he hopes to have at least six done by May and all 20 by August.
“The hope is that this will really bring people to Dedham,’’ he said. “We’ve been working with the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Representative [Paul] McMurtry to spread the news far and wide that the Dedham bunnies are multiplying.’’
The business and individual sponsorships will provide a stipend for each artist and pay the $2,500 it cost to create and deliver each sculpture. In addition, supporters are looking to raise $20,000 for a bronze rabbit sculpture that will become a permanent fixture in the town as a gift to future Dedham residents.
“We really felt we need to mark our 375th year as a town by giving a permanent gift we can send into the future,’’ Reynolds said.
Organizers also hope the art project will serve as a “key photo opportunity attraction’’ for the town. Possible sites for the permanent rabbit include Dedham Square and the art center, proposed as the “new use’’ for the soon-to-be-vacated Avery Elementary School.
