SCUDDER’S PERFORMANCE CELEBRATES #30
BLACK WIDOW BUG LANDS IN SPARKS
SPARKS (April 22) — Today Sparks got a new landmark and it is now sitting on the roof of Scudder’s Performance. But for many this “Black Widow Beatle,” sat on the roof of an abandoned Reno Fire Station them seemly disappeared.
But now it has reappeared and is displayed in a prominent location at the corner of Victorian Avenue and 7th Street.
From now on people going by on the freeway or by Scudder’s Performance will see the Black Widow Bug on top the shop’s roof. Photo by Tammie Lynn
“We got the Beatle about six years ago when they took it off a Reno firehouse downtown by Wells Avenue,” Clayton Scudder said. “We resurrected the Spider Bug to put on top of this roof so everybody can enjoy it through out the years to come.”
While the setting of this large structure made of a VW Beatle body with large spider legs would have been an event in itself, Scudder timed its placement for a personal celebration.
Asked about his business, he said, “We’re a full restoration and repair shop for all older air-cooled VWs and we have been for 30 years. And I’ve been in the business for 37-years.”
He added that Sparks Mayor Geno Martini was coming out for the celebration and placing of the Spider Bug. He would be doing a ribbon cutting before the structure was hoisted to the rooftop by a crane and crew from Sierra Industrial of Sparks.
Sparks Mayor Geno Martini (left) and business owner Clayton Scudder cut the ribbon so the Spider Bug can be hoisted to its new home. Photo by Tammie Lynn
“Everybody is excited about this,” Scudder said. “This is not anything we had to fight to put up as the City of Sparks has been very gracious to us. Everybody commented that we redid the bug, got it back to its pristine condition and are displaying it again.”
The Black Widow Bug is hoisted by a Sierra Industrial crane to its new home. Photo by Tammie Lynn
Artist David Fambrough created the Bug in the 1970’s but couldn’t attend the celebration as he’s out of the country.
Artist David Fambrough creating the Black Widow Bug in the 1970’s. Photo courtesy – Fambrough family.
However his sister, mother and nephew were on hand to enjoy seeing his artwork being displayed again.
“I think it’s wonderful, just wonderful,” Patti Fambrough-Sheehan said. “But he’s down in Baja doing some art down there.
His mother Jill Fambrough said, “It’s a landmark here in Sparks but it’s too bad he couldn’t be here.”
Before the Bug was hoisted Clayton Scudder (black shirt) stands with the Fambrough family, Tom Sheehan (left), Patti Fambough-Sheehan and the artist’s mother Jill Fambrough (right).
After the ribbon cutting the crane crew gently hoisted the bug into place where it will then be secured to the roof. Being close to the freeway, locals and tourists alike can now gaze at this artwork that’s been shown around the world and had appeared in National Geographic Magazine.
After the Black Widow Bug was on the roof Clayton Scudder (in middle) stands with his best friend Curtis Clark (beard) as well as family members and friends. Photo by Tammie Lynn.
More photos can be found at www.facebook.com/CSDPix
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