Project Bulldog to end with a bang

Hewlett-Woodmere’s Project Bulldog, celebrating art and community through the beloved bulldog mascot, will culminate with an auction and barbeque on June 17 at 6:30 pm. All 38 bulldogs will be put on the auction block at the Seawane Club, giving attendees an opportunity to bid on a one-of-a-kind piece.
The auction will include master of ceremonies Carolyn Gusoff, freelance on-air reporter for Fox5 WNYW and graduate of Hewlett high school. The auctioneer for the event will be Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey’s auction house and former Long Island resident.
The bulldogs, created by artists from local students and faculty to famous alumni such as designer Donna Karan and artist Ross Bleckner, are currently on display all over Hewlett-Woodmere in local schools, the local public library, the fire department, and various local businesses.
“There are people coming out in droves to see them all,” said Ira Friedman, self-titled chief-executive-bulldog and initial project creator.
A locator map for every bulldog can be found at each of the 33 locations displaying a bulldog, allowing for a grand treasure hunt for the community and art-enthusiasts alike. The popular bulldog search serves as a reminder of the meaning of the project and its success.

“The project is something that came to mind about a year ago,” said Friedman, “as something to help bring art to the Woodmere-Hewlett community in a public way that would engage students, faculty, local community artists, and alumni artists with merchants and businesses throughout the neighborhood.”
Prior to the auction, there will be a two week community exhibition period featuring all the bulldogs at the Woodmere public library allowing visitors to admire the colors and creativity for free before the auction.
“This will enable young children, families, everyone and anyone, the opportunity to see all of the bulldogs under one roof,” said Friedman.
Cost of attendance for the auction and barbeque is $65 and invitations can be printed out on the project’s website, www.projectbulldog.net. More information on the project is also available online, as well as the locator map for the current locations of each bulldog.
All proceeds from the auction will be used to support the Hewlett-Woodmere public schools art department.

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