This sculpture is priceless and one of a kind. It was never sold at Isabel Bloom. Mike Peppers only gave them to his closest friends.
He wears red shirts, black suspenders and black boots just about every day. His office looks like the North Pole, with Santa Claus decorations and Christmas trees everywhere all year long.
Mike Peppers has one more thing to add to his collection: a new Isabel Bloom sculpture that has been created in his honor.
The new piece, called “Santamobile,” was inspired by Peppers on his 40th anniversary of helping Santa in the Quad-Cities and the bright red convertible sleigh-mobile that Santa stores at Peppers’ business, Sergeant Peppers Auto Shop in downtown Davenport.
Donna Young, the head designer for the Davenport-based Isabel Bloom company, said it was Peppers’ enthusiasm for Christmas and his commitment to bring smiles to children’s faces that sold her on the idea.
Local holiday icon, ‘Santamobile’ creator passes away at 81. During his lifetime, 81-year-old Peppers was a Vietnam War veteran and an avid car collector and restorer. His creations included the short-timer and the Santamobile, featured during the Festival of Trees event.
Peppers also worked alongside Joe Whitty, the founder of Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor to provide a Holiday Party for children with special needs.
He received multiple awards for his community service including the community service award from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department and a key to the City of Davenport from the mayor.
