Southeastern Guide Dogs, the area’s largest organization to provide guide dogs to people with visual impairments, recently announced their community sculpture campaign called “Superheroes on Parade.” The campaign is a whimsical, dog-centered campaign culminating with two unique events in downtown Sarasota. Superheroes on Parade features 50 life-size dog sculptures of a guide dog superhero, customized and painted by accomplished local and international artists and displayed from March 1st through October 9th in prominent locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Sponsored by generous individuals, businesses and media organizations, these Superheroes on Parade will benefit our programs and bring awareness to our life-changing mission.
Blalock Walters sponsored a Superhero Pup, who we named “Boy Wonder”.
Blalock Walters’ “Boy Wonder” Superhero Pup
He was created by sculpture artist Scott Joseph Moore, owner, creative director and artist at Moore Art Expressions. Scott sculpted, molded, and cast each caped superhero dog, modeling the figures on the Labrador retriever, one of three breeds of extraordinary dogs born, raised and trained at Southeastern Guide Dogs. Local Bradenton artist Lin Oakerson painted Boy Wonder’s superhero costume.
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite sculptures in an online contest beginning this summer, culminating in a VIP Red Carpet Awards event at the Sarasota Opera House on September 24th. A fun social media photo campaign/contest called “Superheroes on the Street” will also invite public participation via “selfie” photo submissions.
Finally, all 50 sculptures will be on display on Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota on October 8th and 9th.
For more information, visit https://www.guidedogs.org/support/superheroes-on-parade/.
