Jeni Barton, director of arts administration at Pyramid Hill, said “Intrude” is a spectacle-sized work consisting of five giant illuminated rabbits — the largest over 23 feet tall.
“Amanda Parer is an Australian artist, who is currently residing in New Zealand, and she created this monumental work to address the environment concerns and issues happening in Australia due to the rabbits being an invasive species. And, the rabbits in Australia, since being introduced as an invasive species, have really been destroying the environment there and the ecology. But, they are also the adorable creatures that you grow up reading about in fairy tales. So, it’s hard to imagine that this adorable little creature is doing so much destruction,” Barton said.
The name “Intrude” comes from the rabbits’ impact on the environment, Barton said, but, (as art) they are magical and whimsical to experience. Tthe sculptures are not only inflatable, but they work with light as an art medium.
“This is going to create a completely new experience for visitors in the park. They will be able to come and tour in the evening,” Barton said.
Pyramid Hill will showcase five of the rabbits in the collection. They are going to be placed together, across from the pavilion in the park, right by Lake Nancy. A local technician, Jedidiah Stuelpnagel, a professor of sculpture from University of Cincinnati will inflate and deflate the sculptures each day, and care for the rabbits while they’re at Pyramid Hill.
“This exhibition is a perfect combination of art and nature. And, our mission here at Pyramid Hill is bringing people to art and nature,” Barton said.
To introduce “Intrude,” students from several local schools and groups have designed giant, 4- to 6-feet-long carrots that are on display throughout Hamilton and Middletown, which announce that the bunnies are coming to Pyramid Hill. Hamilton High School, Badin High School, Immanuel Lutheran School in Hamilton, Middletown Middle School, Wildwood Elementary School in Middletown, Community Development Professionals and Butler Tech School of the Arts are among the participants.
Several programs, events and special exhibitions have been developed to go along with “Intrude.” Pyramid Hill will have a Hoppy Hour, a Hip Hop Night, a bunny-themed art exhibit by local artists, bunny-themed crafts for children, hat making workshops with a Hollywood costume designer, a Mad Hatter-themed tea party and more. Additionally, two of the bunnies will conclude their Midwest appearance at Cincinnati’s Blink Festival on Oct. 12-15.
The “Intrude” exhibition was created by Parer in 2014. “Intrude” was a prominent work in the 2014 Vivid Festival in Sydney. Since that time, the work has been seen on four continents, in over 50 cities by over a million people.
Want to go?
What: "Intrude"
Where: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton
When: Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 15
Cost: General admission after 7 p.m. is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. $5 for members. (General admission from noon to 7 p.m. is $8 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and free for Pyramid Hill members.)
More info: Visit www.pyramidhill.org online or call (513) 868-8336. It is suggested that guests experience the "Intrude" exhibition at night to experience the glow. "Intrude" will be on display daily from noon to 10 p.m. Special event and program costs vary.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pyramid Hill will host several events, programs and special exhibitions to go along with “Intrude.” Here’s a list of the highlights:
“INTRUDE” DEBUT PARTY
Thursday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. $100
Be one of the first to experience “Intrude” in the Midwest by attending a special celebratory cocktail party. The event will include heavy horsd’doeuvres, cocktails and a champagne toast at the first lighting of “Intrude.”
“INTRUDE” OPENING NIGHT
Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12.
Join Pyramid Hill on opening night for an exciting celebration of all things “Intrude.”
HAT MAKING WORKSHOPS WITH GINA SCARNATI
The Hollywood costume maker who created the hats in the first Hunger Games film will teach hat making workshops for makers at all skill levels. A workshop for children 6 - 12 is free with park admission. Adult (12+up) classes will be offered at the beginners, intermediate and advanced levels for $25. Those interested in having a truly engaging experience and creating a more elaborate hat design can register to take all three adult workshops for only $65 and receive a pre-class consultation with Gina by email to help makers reach their creative goals. Five different workshops will be offered. Details are available at https://www.pyramidhill.org/hatworkshops.
HIP HOP NIGHT
Saturday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., $10
Old-school Hip Hop provided by popular Cincinnati-based DJ crew, The Animal Crackers. This event offers the perfect opportunity to dance with an illuminated work of art.
THE HARE SHOW
Sunday, Oct. 8, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., $15
An art and fashion show of hair sculptures on models. Local hair stylists like those from Lunatic Fringe Salon in Liberty Township will interpret the Pyramid Hill Sculpture collection in hair. The fashion show will take place among the giant glowing bunnies.
HOPPY HOUR
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., $10.
A hoppy happy hour with craft beer, DJ Grover, games and more. The Fitton Center will host a drinking and drawing activity called “Rough Draughts.”
MAD HATTER TEA PARTY
Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., $15 (free with hat making workshop participation.)
Show off a newly created hat or dazzle in a hat from your personal collection at this mad hatter-themed tea party.
EXHIBITIONS
“THE BUNNY SHOW” The October and November exhibition in Pyramid Hill’s Museum Gallery will feature local and regional artists working with bunny imagery. The exhibition will open on Friday, October 6. A meet the artist reception will be held on Friday, October 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. “The Bunny Show” will remain on display until Saturday, Dec. 9.
“INVASIVE SPECIES” This exhibit is donated by W Architecture and Landscape Architecture, a studio founded by Barbara Wilks in 1999 to renegotiate the relationship of humans to the natural world. Invasive species have had and continue to have a big impact at Pyramid Hill. What are they? How did they get here? What are their impacts? According to the World Conservation Union, invasive species are the second most significant threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. In their new ecosystems, invasive species become predators, competitors, parasites, and diseases of our native and domesticated plants and animals. Understanding how human actions have contributed to these changes and what we can do to be more mindful in our actions is a goal of this exhibit. This show will be on display in Pyramid Hill’s Ancient Sculpture Museum.
INTERACTIVE INSTALLATIONS AND ACTIVITIES:
POPP=D ART, a mobile art gallery, will host a collaborative art project for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can be a part of the “Intruding Eyes” installation by drawing eyes on post-it notes with markers. Also, peer inside the caravan at dark for a special glowing surprise.
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