Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Tooele City is fostering community unity through painted buffalo statues.
- The Buffalo Art Initiative features nearly a dozen unique statues on Historic Main Street.
- The project supports local businesses and artists and beautifies the city, says coordinator Clarissa Pankratz.
TOOELE — Lots of things can bring people together — food, holidays, shared interests — but the city of Tooele is taking a different approach with painted buffalo statues.
"Ultimately, the goal of this project, and of the artwork itself, is to bring our community closer together," Clarissa Pankratz said.
Pankratz is the coordinator for the city's Buffalo Art Initiative, which includes almost a dozen painted buffalo statues along Historic Main Street. The initiative was started by a member of the Tooele City Historic Main Street Commission, who had seen similar projects in other communities.
The statues are meant to encourage people to visit downtown Tooele, support local businesses, and raise funds for projects and events in the Historic Main Street area.
"We love that it encourages businesses, organizations, families and artists to become more involved in our community. We also thought it would be a fun and creative way to beautify our city," Pankratz said.
The first buffalo was installed on June 27, 2023, at the Tooele Pioneer Museum. Eight others have been placed, with a 10th one at the public library on the way.
The buffalo designs range from realistic to vibrant colors and unique patterns. Each buffalo starts with a company or family sponsoring a new statue, which can then choose an artist themselves or have the city help find a local artist who has expressed interest in the project.
The design is then based on what the sponsor wants their statue to stand for or represent.
"Each artist has created their own masterpiece that never fails to bring a splash of color and excitement to our city. These buffalo are something that our residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy for many years to come," Pankratz said.
Just last week, the city installed new permanent signs at each buffalo explaining the art program and detailing the inspiration behind each buffalo's design.
"It has been beautiful to see the reaction from this initiative whenever we post photos of the buffalo on our social media or talk to people at our unveiling events. Everyone has been so positive and encouraging," Pankratz said.
Pankratz loves hearing from residents about which buffalo is their favorite, and she said people will do scavenger hunts with them.
"They support the artists and sponsors for their efforts and creativity. It has been amazing to be a part of something so positive and beautiful in our community," she said.
