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“Stargazer,” the iconic large-scale deer head sculpture that unofficially welcomes visitors to the Hamptons, got a face-lift early this summer to keep it presentable while fundraising for a major reconstruction is under way.
The sculpture, on the side of County Road 111 in Manorville, had suffered some wear and damage to the red stucco veneer, which started to peel off and expose the inside to the elements.
The temporary fix hides the damage, from a distance.
David Morris, of Springs, who was the partner of the late “Stargazer” artist Linda Scott, said it was a “patch job” in time for Fourth of July weekend.
“Driving by, you’re not going to be able to tell. It will look repaired,” he said.
Mr. Morris has been fundraising for a full restoration of the sculpture, which he estimates will cost $100,000.
Two big donors recently stepped up. Barbara Slifka of Sagaponack donated $25,000, and real estate tech company EasyKnock sponsored repairs.
Mr. Morris noted that he is now working with the Arete Living Arts Foundation, a nonprofit, so that donations to restore “Stargazer” will be tax-deductible.
The $100,000 sought will pay to “re-skin” the sculpture in plywood and stucco over the steel frame underneath. If enough money comes in soon, the work will begin as soon as this fall, Mr. Morris said.
