SAN ANGELO, TX - In a meeting held on Feb. 20, the San Angelo City Council gave its approval for a themed art series titled "Black Tie Cowboy," sponsored by the nonprofit organization "Art in Uncommon Places."
The council's resolution supports private fundraising efforts for the creation and placement of various art installations across the city.
The initiative, endorsed by the San Angelo Public Art Commission on Jan. 9, 2024, mandates City Council approval for any art projects to be placed in the public right-of-way.
Art in Uncommon Places will cover all costs associated with creating and situating the art, eventually transferring ownership to the City of San Angelo upon completion.
Art in Uncommon Places representatives Julie Raymond and Dr. Gigi Perez Langley addressed the council, providing details about the art that will adorn downtown San Angelo.
Among the installations is a mural named "Downtown Strong" near Twisted Root on 333 S Chadbourne St, designed to encourage photo opportunities.
Additionally, two custom pianos housed in a vacant hotel's windows will be wheeled out for events in Downtown San Angelo, adding a musical element to the project.
Julie Raymond emphasized the diverse representation of cowgirls in the town, with art pieces at 307 Chadbourne depicting cowgirls' history and achievements.
Black and white vinyl photos will adorn windows across from Angry Cactus, featuring influential figures like Billie McBride and William “Bill” Ward.
Ward is immortalized in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s official logo.
"This familiar image of Ward atop 'Sea Lion' at San Angelo in 1956 appears on all official and promotional PRCA material," information states.
Billie McBride is the creator of the Girl’s Rodeo Association here in San Angelo, which is now the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
“We want to highlight that history of cowgirls here,” Langley said.
Notable elements of the project include four cowboys made of architectural styrofoam to be placed on the corners of Twohig and Chadbourne, varying in height from 9 to 12 feet.
A "Chess park" and a mosaic mural on the Man Store building are also part of the extensive art installment.
The final piece of the project, the "Kissing Couple Sculpture," created in collaboration with "West Texas Guidance" for suicide prevention.
San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that it marks only the beginning of public art enhancement for the city.
The City Council unanimously supported the initiative, with all seven members voting in favor.
Mayor Gunter hinted at potential future projects, suggesting that several more blocks could benefit from similar public art enhancements.
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