The Gaslamp Quarter Association is proud to announce for the 150th Anniversary a “hop up” gallery activation for the 2017 San Diego Comic Con, displaying many of the Rabbit sculptures created for the “Rabbitville” public art project. The gallery located at 453 Fifth Ave. will have most of the herd for Comic Con revelers to peruse the whimsical sculptures, take photos, and learn about the Gaslamp Quarter’s storied history.
“Comic con brings 125,000+ people to the Gaslamp Quarter from all over the world, it’s so much more than Comic books! The pop culture convention now encompasses everything from action-figures and retro video games, Hollywood blockbusters, and now giant sized bunnies!” Said Michael Trimble Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association.
150 years ago, the area that is now the Gaslamp Quarter was jokingly nicknamed “Rabbitville” after its chief inhabitants. The “Rabbitville” installation honors the pioneering spirit of legendary founder, Alonzo Horton, who transformed Rabbitville into modern San Diego. Each fiberglass sculpture + stand measures 7’ high. The sculpture is unique with original paintings/ mosaics commissioned by 15 different local artists. The Comic Con activation is just one of the locations The herd of Rabbits will be hopping to throughout the Sesquicentennial anniversary year.
“Since our first exhibition in May, “Rabbitville” has attracted hundreds of followers! These gorgeous sculptures have become mini celebrities!” Said Trimble.
Rabbits on display at the 453 Gallery space will be, Matt Forderer’s “Willabee”, Tasha Hobb’s, “Honoring the Disdained”, Monty Montgomery’s “Diego,” Sarah Soward’s, “Against All Odds We Thrive”, Rebecca Nuvoletta’s, “Ordinate”, Mario Herbelin- Canelas’ “Mirrored Rabbit” and Lee Sie’s, “Nelly Ghirardelli” sponsored by Ghirardelli Chocolatier. The Padres, The San Diego Union Tribune/ Pacific Magazine, and The Pendry sponsored rabbits will also be joining the heard. Photos of Gaslamp’s history, limited edition t-shirts and photo opportunities with the iconic rabbits will be available Thursday 20 – Saturday 22nd from 10AM- 8PM and Sunday 11AM-5PM. Guests might even get a surprise sighting of the “Rogue Rabbit” sponsored by INSTANT CALLERS! This celebrity rabbit roams around the Gaslamp Quarter, posing for pictures and collecting memorabilia that will later be in a mosaic around the rabbit’s coat.
Don’t miss this amazing activation!
Thursday July 20- Saturday July 22 10AM- 8PM Sunday July 23 11AM-5PM- 453 5th Ave.
Artist meet and greets scheduled-
Lee Sie- Artist of Nelly Ghirardelli, scheduled 6PM-8PM Thursday July 20th
Tasha Hobbs- Artist of “Honoring the Disdained” 6PM-8PM Friday July 21st
And more scheduled appearances to come.
