San Angelo, Texas, is known for its delightful and whimsical sheep sculptures! Everywhere you look in the city, you’ll find colorful, creative fiberglass sheep that have become a symbol of San Angelo. Here are some interesting facts about these charming sculptures:
- Origins: The painted sheep project began in 2007 when the Downtown San Angelo, Inc. promotions committee decided that herding fiberglass ewes was easier than reorganizing the Miss Wool of Texas Pageant, which had taken place from 1952 to 1972.
- Sheep Count: San Angelo boasts nearly 100 painted sheep sculptures, with each one uniquely designed and painted by local artists. That’s almost one sheep for every 1,000 people in the city!
- Punny Names: Witness the sheeptacular names given to these sculptures: “Ed-ewe-cate” (located at Howard College), “When Ewe Are Hungry,” “EWE-nique,” “Happy Trails to EWE,” “Lambscapes,” and “Merino Antoinette,” among others.
- Artistic Collaboration: Twenty-five artists have contributed to the project, and sponsors choose their own artist from a list provided by Downtown San Angelo, Inc. The artists work with sponsors to pick a theme and create unique renditions.
- Preserving the Paint: The basic sheep forms come with gnarly bumps and require sanding, coating with primer, painting, and a final coat of acrylic to preserve the paint. Local businesses, like auto dealerships, have even contributed to the process.
- Sheep Etiquette: San Angelo’s sheep play nice—no libel, slander, or direct product advertising is allowed. They’re a friendly and pun-loving bunch!
- Military Tribute: The 97th sheep, “We Salute Ewe,” located at the downtown branch of First Financial Bank, is painted with symbols representing all five branches of the military, topped with an American flag and an eagle1.
So, next time you’re in San Angelo, be sure to explore the delightful sheep sculptures scattered throughout the city! 🐑🎨
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