Background Info on the Button Glutton
Cincinnati's Big Pig Gig
The Big Pig Gig is a colloboration of Cincinnati,OH, Covington, KY, and Newport, KY artists. Local artists and groups use a variety of materials to decorate fiber glass pigs, which come in three different poses. Nearly 400 of these pigs are being displayed this summer all over the city. For more information on the Big Pig Gig, please see the official website.
So How Does One Go About Getting a Pig?
When the Big Pig Gig idea was announced and put under way by ArtWorks, Art Club member Marissa Lin,who had been greatly impressed by the Chicago cows over the previous summer, quickly thought of the Art Club as an ideal group to create one. After collecting the preliminary information, she presented it to the Art Club. Art Club advisor Kat Ferguson loved the idea and quickly gathered the rest of the information necessary for the school to get its pig!
Big Bucks For a Big Pig!
With a price tag around $1600 and no sponsor in sight, the pig would take a bit of work to gain. Wheels were put in motion, and students began the necessary fund-raising. The Fine Swine Contest was one of the most memorable fund-raising events. Six faculty members- Mr. Mason (principal), Mr. Marlett, Mrs. Klefas, Mrs. Parrot, Mr. Imhoff, and Mr. Newberry- volunteered to be candidates in a school-wide vote: Who makes the finest swine? Students voted by placing extra change in green piggy banks marked for each candidate. Math teacher Mr. Newberry came out as the triumphant winner. All the while, the Pig-O-Meter,created by Marissa Lin, sat in the school office counting its way up to the goal (well, only as fast as Marissa could count the money coming in)!
Bringing Home the Bacon
Thanks to the generous contributions of Sycamore's faculty, students, parents, and community, the Button Glutton was successfully paid for. With principal Mr. Mason leading with a pig call, Button Glutton was welcomed to its new home at the high school in a fantastic parade in March.
Preparing the Pig
The pig still had a ways to go before it could be decorated. Students helped sand the pig, and advisor Kat Ferguson primed it, as well as found people to put the wings on the pig. Art Club president Emily Vaughn designed a pattern of swirls and circles for the pig. Meanwhile, the Dress the Pig! contest was going on. Second bell classes competed for a free breakfast by bringing in the most buttons. The second bell class of chemistry teacher Mrs. Stone won, and Art Club member Alex Baxter had his hands full counting up all the buttons! [Pictures: Preparing the Pig]
Decorating the Oinker
A core group of six students began the job of painting and decorating the pig. Along with advisor Kat Ferguson, Marissa Lin, Lauren Zinnecker, Tanya Nikiforova, Samantha Tessel, Alex Baxter, and Emily Vaughn worked after school and during study halls to create the masterpiece. Each of them decorated special circles on the pig. The German Club contributed numerous buttons, helped raise money, and aided in decorating the pig. Their work can be seen in the necklace, bracelets, and anklets decorated in the colors of the German flag- red, yellow, and black. [Pictures: Decorating the Oinker]
Successful Completion!
The pig was successfully completed at the end of the school year, and the Button Glutton was moved down to its summer home in Lytle Park. [Pictures: Hamming in the Park]
Oink! She's a Star!
Button Glutton is featured in the official The Big Pig Gig book.
Welcome Home, Button Glutton!
It's that time of the year.... the pigs went off to market on November 13, 2000, along with the eBay auction. However, Button Glutton is returning to the school.