Video: J.P. Patches statue unveiled

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SEATTLE - A statue of J.P. Patches was unveiled Sunday in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle as the city celebrated the children's television icon.

Gov. Christine Gregoire and other community leaders were on hand for the event, which began at 1 p.m. at the Solstice Plaza.

Many in attendence wore red clown noses.

"It's exciting. My family's here. My brother came from Minnesota," said J.P. (Chris Wedes). "I'm just overwhelmed, I'm humbled by it all."

The bronze statue, created by artist Kevin Pettelle, is called "Late for the Interurban." It depicts J.P and his TV sidekick Gertrude (Bob Newman).

"I have to thank the Patches Pals," J.P. said, as the statue was unveiled. "You're the ones that made this all possible."

The sculpture was funded by numerous donations. It includes a donation box where people can make contributions to Children's Hospital and Medical Center, a favorite cause of J.P. Patches.

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J.P. Patches said the day's events were "overwhelming."

"The J.P. Patches Show" was broadcast on television until 1981.

"I watched it before I went to school in the morning religiously," said artist Pettelle, in an interview with "Evening Magazine."

He said the last 28 years of his sculpture experience was practice for this piece.

"I'm not very good at describing artwork, but I think it's fantastic," said J.P.