Images(2)

Copper

Object number2015.10.1

Artist Ricki Wertz

Datec. 2004

MediumOil on canvas; Wood; Metal; Paper; Ink;

Credit LineGift of Ricki Bordenkircher

DescriptionFramed painting of a golden retreiver.Dimensions20 x 16 x 1.5 in. (50.8 x 40.6 x 3.8 cm)
SignedArtist signature painted in brown in bottom right corner "Ricki / Wertz".
Artist last name "Wertz" is handwritten in black ink on backing paper in top left corner.
Historical NotesPainting of the dog Copper from the show "Ricki and Copper" that aired on WTAE from 1958 to 1969. The painting was done by Ricki c. 2004 after she retired and took up painting. She used old promotional photos of Copper to do the painting. Ricki started out singing in local theaters before auditioning for spots on local television shows, eventually becoming the host of "Ricki and Copper". She stopped doing the show in 1969 after she had a premature daughter who needed more care and attention than she could give while also hosting the show. She continued to host "Junior High Quiz" because it was only one day a week. She retired from that show in 1983. There were two Coppers over the course of the show. When the first Copper started to age, she bought a puppy of the same breed (a Golden Retriever breed with a copper color) and brought it on the show. She invited her viewers to name the puppy and they picked Copper Penny, she became known as Penny.Label TextFrom 1958 to 1969 Ricki Bordenkircher and her trusty sidekick Copper entertained the children of Pittsburgh on the WTAE sponsored “Ricki and Copper” show. The weekday morning show had a live audience of children who participated in games and songs and fussed over Copper. The original Copper suffered from a stroke in 1967 and had to be replaced by a new cohost, Copper Penny, known as Penny. Ricki painted this portrait around 2004 from old promotional material for the show. A beloved pet, Copper had been a wedding gift from her husband in 1954.

Related institution WTAE-TV

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