Latest Gerber sculpture is heading to Oklahoma

CLINTON — South Whidbey sculptor Georgia Gerber put the final touches her latest piece of public art this week, a 13-foot-long rabbit-and-girl sculpture that will be displayed at a library in Tulsa, Okla.

“Rabbit Tales” weighs about 1,200 pounds and features a small girl reading a book while sitting on the rabbit’s back. The artwork represents the idea between fantasy and reality, Gerber said, and how reading can inspire one’s imagination.

The sculpture is one of the largest pieces she has created and nearly rivals in size the orangutans sculpture she made for the Woodland Park Zoo. Gerber began working on the rabbit sculpture last fall.

A neighbor’s daughter, Clara McGinnis, posed as the girl in the sculpture. Gerber said she had Clara sit on the back of the clay sculpture and the artist took pictures as the girl posed, and the photos were later used to guide the sculpting of the model.

The finished sculpture was assembled from individually cast pieces, much like how the Boy and Dog sculpture in Langley was done. For “Rabbit Tales,” 52 pieces were cast, then welded together.

“It’s like putting together a 3-D puzzle,” assistant Virginia Keck said.

Gerber will welcome visitors from 3 to 5 p.m. this afternoon for people who want to pop by to see the sculpture before it is sent to Oklahoma. Visitors should call 341-6382 to first confirm a visit.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.