The Rotary Club of Cupertino has brought a burst of creativity to the streets with its unique Cupertino Rabbits Project. Launched in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit, this initiative combines art, community engagement, and charity, showcasing the talent of local artists and students while contributing to meaningful causes.
Since the unveiling of the first 12 rabbits on June 25, the project has multiplied, with 30 more rabbits hopping into public spaces. Among them, 12 have found a home at De Anza College, while the rest have scattered throughout the city. Each rabbit is a testament to the dedication of local artists and the vibrancy of the Cupertino community.
The Cupertino Rabbits Project, initiated by the Rotary Club of Cupertino earlier this year, serves a dual purpose. Not only does it provide a platform for artists to showcase their creativity, but it also raises funds for charitable causes, including support for Kharkiv, Ukraine, and other local charity projects. Out of over 95 applicants, 30 artists were chosen to bring their designs to life, each contributing to the diverse and colorful collection of rabbits now adorning the city.
One notable rabbit, “Sailor Moon,” created by Arcus Foo, a 15-year-old sophomore at Homestead High School, stands out for its inspiration drawn from the popular Japanese anime and manga series. Foo submitted four ideas, and to their surprise, the Sailor Moon design was chosen by their sponsor, the Fremont Union High School Foundation. Despite initial doubts about an anime character being favored over other designs, “Sailor Moon” became a unique addition to the rabbit collection.
The challenges faced by artists, including supply chain delays and adapting to three-dimensional surfaces, are part of the project’s narrative. Emily Tumacder, a computer engineering major at Purdue University, created “Chang’E,” a rabbit inspired by the Chinese folklore of the woman in the moon. Tumacder’s experience, despite encountering delays, reflects the commitment of artists to bring their unique visions to life.
Miranda Woodthorpe, a 19-year-old business administration major at De Anza, contributed “The Rabbit of Universal Knowledge,” adorned with the phrase “year of the rabbit” in multiple languages. Woodthorpe expressed a desire for more promotion of the rabbits’ presence on De Anza’s campus, believing it would enhance students’ appreciation for the project.
Greeshma Regula, a 17-year-old senior at Cupertino High School, crafted “Beauty In Complexity,” utilizing the Zentangle art form. Regula’s intricate design showcases the versatility of artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of creativity on a three-dimensional canvas.
The silent auction for these captivating rabbits is open from October 9 to October 16, concluding with an in-person finale at the Quinlan Community Center, where the rabbits will find new homes. Beyond their artistic appeal, the Cupertino Rabbits Project serves as a symbol of community collaboration, artistic exploration, and philanthropy, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Cupertino.