Walk into Cherry Lanes Arcade Bar lately, and you can’t miss the dragon-themed sailboat docked at our front door. Our neighborhood protector is part of the annual Destination Sturgeon Bay street art project, a community tradition that brings beautiful public art to downtown businesses all summer.

The Design: Turning Sails into Wings

When artists join the project, they start with a blank sailboat form. For Jen, the shape of the canvas sparked a mythical vision.

“The shape of the sail inspired the concept of the dragon,” Jen says. “The sails resembled wings, and he was designed to fit within the outline of the sail form.”

Known for her realistic, organic style, Jen used vivid colors and rich, distinct textures to seamlessly turn the boat’s sails into a dragon’s wings in about four months’ time.

From the Stage to the Sidewalk

Jen is an all-around artist who is no stranger to Cherry Lanes. Before bringing this dragon to our sidewalk, Jen brought her musical talents to our bar, performing twice this past year with her band, Wagon Roots. One of those gigs was even her birthday!

You can find more of Jen’s artwork at The Spotted Pony Art Studio facebook page and Wagon Roots.

Supporting Local Community Art

Jen is a veteran of Sturgeon Bay’s public art scene and loves how the project brings the community together.

“It’s great to see the variety of ideas different artists come up with for a form,” Jen shares. “Seeing your piece on display throughout the summer is amazing, and the auction is always exciting to be a part of.”

Ultimately, Jen’s hope is that the vibrant dragon brings a little bit of magic to 4th Avenue: “I hope my dragon sparks the viewer’s imagination and sense of wonder.”

Stop By and See “Dave”!

“The Guardian” will be stationed outside Cherry Lanes all summer. Come grab a drink, check out Jen’s incredible detail work up close, and take a selfie with our resident dragon.

Be sure to view the entire fleet across town before the live street art auction this September, where these amazing pieces will be auctioned off to support local community initiatives.