Artist Makes 3 Hopping Sculptures For East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — East Providence city officials unveiled three hopping sculptures for bikers and families to enjoy at Riverside Square.

The colorful sculptures of bunnies on bicycles and unicycles were accompanied by three patio areas for families to enjoy. City officials said bike racks will be installed, and landscaping will be completed this spring.

The sculptures were created by artist Peter Diepenbrock and were paid for with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Grant.

"It is my intention to celebrate the playful experience of riding bicycles typically learned by children when quite young and to symbolize that joyful experience with these three characters in a manner that can be appreciated by people of all ages," Diepenbrock said. "I believe this family of playful characters will provide a colorful, fun-loving theme for the local community, and for those passing through."

The $69,000 grant award allows East Providence to pay for costs associated with way finding signs, landscaping, public art and design elements in the Riverside Square area. The city provided $30,000 to the project based on the grant match requirement.

"Thousands of families with young children in tow use our beautiful East Bay Bike Path," Mayor Roberto DaSilva said. "Our hope is that these unique, playful sculptures will encourage bike path users to stop and enjoy the sculptures and learn about and visit some of the local businesses in Riverside Square."