Ducks knocked down, but community rallies after art vandalism

K12 founder discovered the vandalism: “It was very disturbing and upsetting for her.”
Ducks outside of K12 Gallery and Tejas  were damaged sometime after 2:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

Credit: K12 Gallery and TEJAS

Credit: K12 Gallery and TEJAS

Ducks outside of K12 Gallery and Tejas were damaged sometime after 2:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

You cannot keep a good duck down.

That's one lesson that can be drawn from the way the community members rallied to help right a line of duck sculptures vandalized this weekend in front of K12 Gallery and TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson in downtown Dayton.

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Installed ahead of the Downtown Dayton Partnership's Art in the City night, the four duck-shaped flower planters were created by local artist Lisa Dineen, a K12 volunteer.

They were knocked over sometime Saturday after 2:15 a.m., Jennifer Taylor, a project manager at the art center, said.

The "Ducks In a Row" sculpture series was funded with a  city beautification grant awarded to Jerri Stanard, K12 founder.

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Stanard discovered the damage early Saturday morning.

“It was unfortunate,” Taylor said. “It was very disturbing and upsetting for her.”

Community members, local artists included, arrived to help K12 staffers restore the ducks shortly after photos of the vandalism were posted on social media.

Taylor said the incident was particularly troubling due to K12’s mission.

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“We are dedicated to cultivating the creative interest of the children of the Miami Valley,” she said.

Ducks outside of K12 Gallery and Tejas  were damaged sometime after 2:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. The ducks have been righted, but some evidence of the vandalism remains. 

Credit: Amelia Robinson

icon to expand image

Credit: Amelia Robinson

The gallery is gearing up for its annual Art Off fundraiser  set for 6 p.m .to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.

It includes an art exhibit, speed painting, love music, refreshments, and a silent auction.

Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple.

They can be purchased in advance at the gallery or online at k12tejasgallery.org.

They will also be sold at the door the night of the event.

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Ducks outside of K12 Gallery and Tejas  were damaged sometime after 2:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

Credit: Amelia Robinson

icon to expand image

Credit: Amelia Robinson

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