The iconic Mrs. Potato Head statue, known as 'Sunbaked 1966,' has made a surprising return to public display in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. After more than three years out of sight for repairs, the beloved mosaic-tiled spud, originally part of a state tourism campaign, is now showcased at Crestar art gallery on Liberty Street.
Key Takeaways
- 'Sunbaked 1966,' a Mrs. Potato Head statue, is back on display after three years.
- Neal Messier undertook a two-year restoration effort for the statue.
- The statue is now located at Crestar art gallery in East Greenwich for approximately one year.
- The artist, Cindy Kelly, expressed surprise and joy at the statue's return.
A Mystery Solved: The Return of a Rhode Island Icon
For years, 'Sunbaked 1966' greeted visitors at Westerly State Airport. Adorned in a bikini, sunglasses, and flip-flops, the mosaic-covered statue was a memorable part of Rhode Island's tourism landscape. Created on Block Island, it later moved to the mainland, becoming a familiar sight for travelers.
However, the statue vanished over three years ago. Its absence left many wondering about its fate. Cindy Kelly, the artist behind 'Sunbaked 1966,' visited the airport two years ago and learned the statue had been removed for repairs. Despite her strong ties to Rhode Island, she was not contacted about the statue's whereabouts or condition, leading her to believe it might be lost forever.
"I was kind of disappointed no one had tried to reach out to me," Kelly said, reflecting on her initial reaction to the disappearance. She added, "Sadly, I suspect Sunbaked is a gone girl."
Interesting Fact
The 'Mrs. Potato Head' tourism campaign featured numerous uniquely decorated statues placed across Rhode Island, each reflecting different themes and local artistry.
The Labor of Love: Restoration Details
The mystery of 'Sunbaked 1966' ended with the unveiling at Crestar, an art gallery in East Greenwich. Brendan McCarthy, the owner of Crestar, proudly revealed the restored statue. The meticulous work was performed by Neal Messier, a local resident with a passion for these iconic spuds.
Messier took ownership of the statue and dedicated nearly two years to its restoration. He described the statue's condition upon arrival as "rough shape," noting significant damage to its mosaic tiles and glasses. The process was a slow journey, but a deeply rewarding one for Messier.
A Passion for Potato Heads
Messier's dedication to 'Sunbaked 1966' is part of a larger personal project. He owns four other Potato Head statues, all undergoing similar restoration efforts. Messier fondly remembers hunting for these statues with his nephew five years ago, rekindling a childhood fascination with the original tourism campaign.
His goal is to restore these statues and display them for public enjoyment, preventing them from being discarded. "I just don’t want any of them to end up in the trash," Messier stated. The cost of these restorations is significant, leading him to consider starting a nonprofit organization to support future projects.
Background Information
The Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head tourism campaign was a popular initiative in Rhode Island, featuring large, decorated statues placed at landmarks and public spaces throughout the state. It aimed to boost tourism and showcase local artistic talent.
Artist's Reaction and Future Plans
Cindy Kelly, the original artist, was unable to attend the unveiling but expressed profound surprise and gratitude. She had not expected her creation to endure for so long, anticipating it would only last a year or two beyond the initial tourism campaign.
"I am feeling strangely maternal and glad she was taken in for some healing," Kelly remarked. "It’s heartwarming to know that [Messier] cared enough, and respected the original intent, to do such precise work to bring her back to life."
Kelly compared seeing the restored statue to meeting an old friend who has not aged, crediting Messier's careful work. The statue will remain at Crestar for approximately one year, offering the public a chance to revisit this piece of Rhode Island history.
The Search Continues
Messier plans to reveal his other restored statues over time. The community is also encouraged to help locate any remaining Mr. Potato Head statues. Efforts are underway to track down and preserve these unique pieces of Rhode Island's cultural past.
- What: 'Sunbaked 1966' Mrs. Potato Head statue
- Where: Crestar art gallery, Liberty Street, East Greenwich
- Restored by: Neal Messier
- Original Artist: Cindy Kelly
- Duration of Display: Approximately one year
This return marks a joyful moment for many who remember the vibrant tourism campaign and the charm these statues brought to the state. It highlights the dedication of individuals like Neal Messier in preserving local cultural artifacts for future generations.