hemmings MOTOR NEWS Catamount Prowl 2013

TEAM GOLD LEAF

Catamount Prowl 2013 is a Community Street Art Event comprised of 35 catamount sculptures, organized by the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to encourage community awareness and tourism, support the arts, and serve as a community fund raiser. Hemmings Motor News is the sponsor of Gold Leaf, which was created through the collaboration of more than a dozen Hemmings employees.

Our catamount was delivered in late February 2013; hollow, cast fiberglass weighing about 70 pounds. Our theme incorporates the Vermont state tree (the maple), fall foliage (a popular time to spot tourists), and the dome of the Vermont State House (gilded in [actual] gold leaf). Our gold leaves arent gold leaf, theyre just leaves... that are gold... We constructed a paint booth and brushed on multiple coats of gray primer and black automotive lacquer.

The leaves were punched by hand from rolls of embossed, metallic giftwrapping stock; gold for the kitty and a tasty bordeaux mottled pattern for the rock outcropping base. We snipped up to a dozen cuts around the perimeter of every leaf to allow each one to conform to curved surfaces. Leaves were dipped in a lacquer clearcoat and gently held in position until stationary; tweezers and chopsticks worked best. A fan helped diffuse the lacquer fumes.

Upon individual application of an estimated 7,000 leaves, multiple coats of clear automotive lacquer were applied. We completed Gold Leaf in time for its debut appearance with its litter mates in late May, 2013. It has since been on display in front of Hemmings Motor News headquarters, adjacent the HMN/Sunoco filling station. Gold Leaf will be auctioned on October 26, 2013; all funds remaining after expenses will be donated to local charities.

I wish to sincerely thank all those involved in the creation, care and feeding of Gold Leaf. She will be missed. Steve Adams, Brad Babson, Jeanne Bourn, Jill Burks, Judi DellAnno, Karen Gaboury, Paige Kwasniak, Dave LaChance, Joe Masia, Mark McCourt, Mike McNessor, Jim Menneto, Peg Mulligan, Rob Randall, Abby Shapiro, Kate Sullivan, Carol Wigger Respectfully submitted, Ed Heys, Lead Artist