A replacement to "Scary Lucy," an unflattering sculpture of actress Lucille Ball, was unveiled in her hometown Saturday.
The new sculpture, created by Carolyn Palmer, features Ball in a polka-dot dress and was unveiled before hundreds of fans in Lucille Ball Memorial Park on what would have been the late actress’ 105th birthday.
"Well, it's been quite a ride," Mayor Scott Schrecengost said at the ceremony. "A little over a year ago, we got beat up pretty good."
Opponents of Dave Poulin’s original sculpture started a Facebook campaign “We Love Lucy! Get Rid of this Statue” which gained national attention last year. Poulin offered to redo the sculpture for free, however the city decided to select another artist instead.
Palmer was chosen out of 60 other artists, according to NewYorkUpstate.com.
"I want the playful Lucy, the animated spontaneous Lucy, but also the glamorous Lucy," Palmer, who studied film of Ball for inspiration, told Syracuse.com last year when she was crafting the sculpture.
The "Scary Lucy" sculpture remains an attraction and will be displayed at another place in the park.
About the Author
