Formidable Foes puts an artistic twist on a football rivalry
The original piece measures 11x17 inches, but Dugger recruited the assistance of Synergy Sign and Graphics at Strasburg to make digital reproductions of the work that were larger and weather resistant so one could be hung in Dover outside her workspace, Mr. McGillicutty Art Studios, and another in New Philadelphia outside the popular coffee shop Daily Grind. A third hangs at the Tuscarawas County YMCA at Dover.
“I was impressed with the quality of the reproductions,” said Dugger. “Nothing was lost when they enlarged it, and in fact, the prints retained brush strokes and are even more powerful than I expected.”
Dugger has had the privilege to be both a Dover Tornado and a New Philadelphia Quaker. She lived in and attended school in Dover through fourth grade until her family moved to New Philadelphia, where she graduated in 1993. Currently a resident of Dover, Dugger did not specify what team she would be supporting at the annual game this year.
After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Dugger moved to New York City where she began a successful career as a textile designer. She met her husband Howard, the pair moved to San Francisco, and her career flourished working for notable companies like Pottery Barn and the American Quilt Company.
With a desire to focus more on fine art, Dugger made the decision to leave the corporate design world and joined the Fairfax, California art cooperative Salami Factory, where she gained the confidence she was looking for as a fine artist. “After working in commercial design, I had to juke and jive and manipulate my style,” said Dugger. “It was hard to find my voice.”
The Duggers found life on the west coast to be hectic and sought a slower-paced place to raise their three children. “We moved back to the area about three years ago,” said Dugger. “I had forgotten about the football rivalry, I suppose. Having been away helped us realize how special this rivalry is and that it does not exist in other parts of the country. As a student, I loved the rivalry. I was in the band in high school. I was in the thick of it. Today I see the game through different eyes, but I see how cool it is and how it drives high school spirit and pride in the community. It is really special.”
Dugger intends to give all Dover and New Philadelphia seniors a Formidable Foes sticker. Each team has a choice of two icons. Twelve-inch PVC spirit cutouts are also available and are suitable for the lawn or for waving at the game. The stickers and spirit cutouts are available for purchase at the Mr. McGillicutty website at www.mrmcartstudio.com/formidablefoes.