Corning, NY, November 6, 2013—Artemus, the buffalo bursting through the façade of The Rockwell Museum, doesn’t have much to keep him warm in the Corning cold, so local knitters at Wooly Minded on Market Street will knit Artemus a red-and-green scarf to wear during the bitter winter months. Knitters from the community are invited to help knit and crochet the scarf, which will take approximately 6,500 yards of yarn to complete.
Artemus’ scarf will be two-feet wide and 20-25 feet long to accommodate his 60 inch neck. The goal is to have him dressed before Thanksgiving. The Rockwell Museum is hosting open knitting nights on Thursday, November 7, and November 21, from 5:00 – 8:00 for any knitter who would like to take part. Just stop by Wooly Minded and pick up the yarn kit and directions. Those who would like to participate, but would prefer to knit at home, may also pick up supplies at Wooly Minded.
There is no cost to participate in this project. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of an eye-catching piece of community art.
Hi-res images can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3b7yap9i0wglijj/MWF79Tx41w
About Artemus
For nearly 14 years, the façade of The Rockwell Museum building has been home to a bison named “Artemus.” In 1999, Tom Gardner – a well known artist – received a $5,000 grant from The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes in order to create a fiberglass sculpture for placement on the exterior of The Rockwell. Funding for the project was provided by The New York State Council on the Arts, which supported the design and fabrication of this whimsical creation -- a bison bursting through the façade of the Museum building.
When visiting the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, visitors have the pleasure of discovering buffalo throughout the Museum. “The buffalo is a powerful symbol of the west,” commented James Peck, Curator of Collections, “So it is only appropriate that the image of the buffalo is one of the most recognizable emblems of the Museum, both in the galleries and on the façade of the building. Artemus serves as the Museum’s ambassador to Corning and to the wider world.”
Artemus received his name through a community contest when the name was selected because of its similarity to the phrase “Art is a must.” As you drive by Artemus, make a stop at the Rockwell Museum to see how true this statement is.
About Visiting The Rockwell Museum
Now through April 2014, enjoy free admission every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. As always, kids and teens (19 & under) receive free admission every day. The Museum offers a special $4.00 admission rate to local residents with zip codes beginning with 148, 149, or 169.
