NORFOLK, Va. — If you're in Norfolk, you may notice a unique statue on the north side of Ocean View Avenue at 21st Bay.
“It’s different, and it’s funny, and it’s cool,” said one young resident.
“I think it’s wonderful. It dresses up Ocean View. I think it’s cute as can be.” said a beach-goer who was passing by.
The bronze statue depicts dogs and rabbits riding a Vespa.
Reviews have been mixed.
“I didn’t know why they added it at first.” said one teenager who lives in the neighborhood.
However, feedback is mainly positive, based on the people I talked to.
“It’s a tradition. They just started dressing it up for the holidays. Super cute, has Easter Bunny stuff on it,” said a resident coming from the beach.
An art nonprofit called Coastal VA Plein Air raised half of the $60,000 to buy the sculpture, and the city of Norfolk kicked in the rest. The statue was dedicated in December.
“We live here. We love it. And we thought it would be fun to introduce some public art," said Monica Johnson with Coastal VA Plein Air.
A committee made up of community members and art lovers chose the piece by Australian artist Gillie and Marc titled “The Family Vespa Riders.”
“The cool thing about their art is that it represents diversity and inclusion, and we wanted a piece that represented all of Ocean View,” said Mary Vinson with Coastal VA Plein Air.
It seems most residents appreciate the whimsical statue.
“Why is it funny? Because the bunny’s riding a dirt bike,” said one young beach-goer.
The Family Vespa Riders and the grassroots effort to bring them here is positively Hampton Roads.
