Butterfly, a retired Tom Clark gnome, is part of the Lifeguards Editions, produced by Cairn Studios in the 1990s. Ready for the first dip of the day, Butterfly has her rubber ducky along for an airing.

Actually released by Cairn on July 1, 1992, Butterfly took her last professional swim on March 31, 1997, when she retired. Still swimming in her leisure today, she reminds all of us to use the Buddy System when swimming.

Her story card reads: "(Virgo, 1990) Butterfly is Buddy's best buddy. Her specialty is the butterfly stroke, and she's in her pool, ready for practice. A little butterfly has landed on the edge of the pool, to see how she does it. Her bathing cap is a sea urchin, and her lifesaver is a gift from Buddy. Her Japanese coin honors Madame Butterfly. The rubber duck is smiling because Butterfly always uses the buddy system when she swims, which is good water safety."

Tom Clark created Butterfly in 1990 as a companion to Buddy, another Lifeguards gnome.  She measures 4.75" in height by 2.25" in diameter at the base. She is #28 from model #5116.  

 

Each of Dr. Clark's works is highly detailed, and made of either resin or bronze. With irresistible expressions, each gnome is unique. Dr. Clark, a former theology professor at prestigious Davidson College, imbued every creation with his personal philosophy that "the universe is basically friendly". His Gnomes and Wood Spirits "show a dignity that comes from a life of worth", and he felt that his creations were successful if they make you smile! Now that Dr. Clark has passed, we can be remember him through his wry sense of humor gnomes like Butterfly.

You and your little ones will love Butterfly as you remember water safety. Welcome a real "quacker"!