A new statue of the late red-haired comedienne was unveiled Saturday in her hometown of Celoron, New York, replacing the one that many dubbed “Scary Lucy”.
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Sculptor Carolyn Palmer said she was inspired by Lucy’s liveliness and fun character. “Get Rid of this Statue” which gained national attention previous year.
Judging by the early response to the new Lucille Ball statue, Palmer shouldn’t have to worry about a harsh reception.
A few minutes past noon on what would have been Ball’s 105th birthday, Celoron Mayor Scott Schrecengost and sculptor Carolyn D. Palmer lifted a beige cloth to reveal the instantly recognizable likeness of the comedian in a flowing, polka-dot dress.
People gather at the unveiling of the new Lucille Ball statue at Memorial Park in Celoron, N.Y: the late actress’s home town, Saturday.
The town first erected a life-size bronze tribute by sculptor Dave Poulin in 2009, but it was soon dubbed “Scary Lucy” by townsfolk for its ugly, toothy grin and vacant eyes.
Last week, “Scary Lucy” was reinstalled on a nearby platform, but she drew nearly no attention on Saturday.
It’s possible the mayor has declined due to the infamy of “Scary Lucy” brought on by her fan page.
There’s a new Lucy in town.
In April 2015, Poulin publicly apologized for his “most unsettling sculpture” in a letter to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I not only wanted to portray the playful, animated and spontaneous Lucy, but also the glamorous Hollywood icon”, Palmer said in a statement.
“You can’t please everybody”, Palmer said by phone from her New Jersey studio, where she was putting the finishing touches on the bronze sculpture she began nine months ago.
“The people of Celoron have erected this disgusting statue of Lucy in her hometown”, the Facebook page read. Palmer said she’s already been getting positive reception from those who’ve taken a peek at the new statue, including a few Celoron residents when the statue was being installed.
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I Love Lucy aired in the 1950s and is considered one of the greatest television comedies ever. The beloved star’s birthday is celebrated every year with the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in nearby Jamestown.
