Home of one of the world’s most famous rabbits, Bugs Bunny, The Chuck Jones Gallery hosts a free reception with 14 Rabbitville sculptures and their artists!
The Gaslamp Quarter Association and The Chuck Jones Gallery, 232 Fifth Avenue, are pleased to announce a special exhibition of fourteen fiberglass rabbit statues and their artists on Thursday, April 19th from 6PM-9PM. The seven-foot-tall rabbits were commissioned in May 2017 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Gaslamp Quarter’s original settlement. The reception will have fourteen of the fifteen sculptures on display, five available for sponsorship, the artists who created them, refreshments, and the artwork of the Chuck Jones Gallery. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling 619-294-9880 or emailing SanDiego@ChuckJones.com.
150 years ago, the area that is now the Gaslamp Quarter was jokingly nicknamed, “Rabbitville” after its chief inhabitants. The “Rabbitville” exhibition honors the pioneering spirit of legendary founder, Alonzo Horton, who transformed Rabbitville into modern San Diego. Local artists who have participated in the creation of these unique sculptures are, Erick Diaz, Carly Ealey, Matt Forderer, Mario Herbelin-Canelas, Tasha Hobbs, Monty Montgomery, Rebecca Nuvoletta, Kelly Schott, Lee Sie, Sarah Soward, Steven Van, John Wismont, and the staff at Warner Bros. Television marketing division.
“It is remarkable that in only a century and a half we were able to grow into the commercial core of America’s eighth largest city,” says, Michael Trimble, Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association. “Alonzo Horton was a visionary leader who set a precedent of hard work and determination still very much alive in the Gaslamp Quarter. We have been so impressed that the “Rabbitville” exhibitions have educated and inspired the next generation of pioneers in San Diego.”
Sponsoring a Rabbit. Each rabbit has a sponsor or patron. Currently, ten have been generously sponsored by Coca-Cola, Ghirardelli, Hard Rock Hotel, The Pendry Hotel, Warner Bros. Television, Pacific Magazine, The San Diego Padres, The City of San Diego District #3 Councilmember Chris Ward, John Ramirez and Garden Communities. The other five have yet to be adopted for $10,000 each. These five Rabbits that will be featured for sponsorship are “Diego”, by Monty Montgomery, “Against All Odds We Thrive” by Sarah Soward, “Honoring the Disdained” by Tasha Hobbs, “Willabee” by Matt Forderer, and “Ordinate” by Rebecca Nuvoletta. Sponsors enjoy a range of promotional benefits, including, but not limited to, recognition on a commemorative plaque and possession of the rabbit upon completion of the program in June 2018. Proceeds from sponsorship will help fund new enhanced lighting in the Gaslamp Quarter. “Sponsoring a rabbit is a great way for someone who loves San Diego history to also help fund a project that will increase public safety and beautify the historic Gaslamp Quarter,” says Michael Trimble. “We are hoping to repair and replace the decorative lights throughout the district.”
The Gaslamp Quarter Association is also partnering with The Chuck Jones Gallery for this event. The Chuck Jones Gallery is located in the vibrant center of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter at 232 Fifth Avenue and is the destination for collectors and visitors from around the world. Celebrating 30+ years of bringing the finest in the art of American Pop Culture to collectors and aficionados, the gallery features work not only by its namesake, Chuck Jones, but also by Dr. Seuss, Tom Everhart, Markus Pierson, Charles Schulz, Fran Lew, Shelby & Sandy, and now, the Rabbits of Rabbitville. The Chuck Jones Gallery is open 7 days a week from 10 to 6 PM with extended weekend hours. Gallery contact: 619-294-9880, SanDiego@ChuckJones.com and www.ChuckJones.com.