By John Tredrea, Special Writer
This latest addition to the herd that’s the Hopewell Valley Stampede is named "Childhood Wox Through Hopewell Valley."
Yes, the word after "Childhood" is spelled correctly.
"It’s spelled that way because that’s how young children pronounce the word ‘walks,’" said Andrea Fereshteh of the Hopewell Valley Moms Club.
"Childhood Wox Through Hopewell Valley" was unveiled Friday morning at his post at the corner of Scotch and Washington Crossing roads in Hopewell Township, near the municipal services building.
The Stampede, sponsored by the HV Arts Council, has about 70 artistically adorned, life-sized fiberglass oxen placed all over the Valley.
"When we heard about the Stampede, we thought we should do one," Ms. Fereshteh said.
"The one we did has painted designs of places all over the Valley where young children go — Rosedale Park in the township, the gazebo park in Hopewell Borough, toy stores in all three of the Valley’s towns and many others."
Working with artists Wendy Deschapeless and Betsy Giquel, the 16 members of the Moms Club and their preschool-age children painted the designs and formed mosaics on the oxen, out of orphan puzzle pieces, toy pieces and other relevant items.
At the unveiling of "Childhood Wox Through Hopewell Valley," township Administrator/Engineer Paul Pogorzelski said of the Stampede: "This has been an amazing adventure, and there has been a lot of buzz in our community about it. The level of creativity and organization is amazing. I see so many people taking photos of the oxen and marveling at the work the artists have done. It’s really just so much fun. Thanks to all the artists and the Arts Council."
To the assembled creators of "Childhood Wox Through Hopewell Valley," Arts Council member Liz Bell said: "What you have done is really testament to what our council is all about. The arts are about connecting us in ways we might not have been otherwise."
