Visitors to Toowoon Bay Surf Club on Saturday, February 18 will witness the first ever appearance of the Pedotle.
It’s the brainchild of artists Andi Mether and Leonardo Uribe from Zest Events, and has been designed by the Toowoon Bay Stingray Nippers and sculptor Tom Ireland.
Toowoon Bay Surf Club member, Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride, will welcome the exotic creature to Toowoon Bay alongside Stingrays Nippers, Bailey and Krystal at 10am.
So, what is a Pedotle – pronounced per dottle?
It’s part pelican, part dolphin and part turtle in an interactive sculpture designed with children in wheelchairs that celebrates all abilities.
Commissioned by Central Coast Council as part of their Creative Arts Central funding, the project was an opportunity for Andi Mether and Leo Uribe to realise their artistic vision.
“We wanted to create an interactive sculpture that kids of all abilities can play with,” Mether said.
“The Look Mum, Watch Me project has been designed for families with children that struggle to use traditional playground equipment to allow them that feeling of wonder, fun and play.”
For Leonardo Uribe, this was a chance to extend his sculptural expertise into something much larger. “My sculptures are usually exhibited in galleries and are much smaller in size,” he said.
“The Pedotle is a realisation of the Stingray Nipper’s imaginative minds, and I’m hoping it will bring joy to the children and families interacting with it.”
Everyone is welcome to get up close and personal with the Pedotle on Saturday, February 18 between 10am and 2pm, and find out about Toowoon Bay Stingrays and other inclusive surf club activities.
Source: Media release, Feb 13, 2023 Zest Events International