Indiana Association of United Ways (IaUW) is partnering with the Indiana Bicentennial Commission for a special project. Tonja Couch, the executive director of the Jackson County United Way, says this officially endorsed legacy project aims to “celebrate Indiana’s rich and diverse history and unique features.”
Couch says that artists will decorate five-foot-tall fiberglass bison for public display throughout Indiana. The end goal, she says, is that at least one, if not a herd, of bison will be on display in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.
Couch says that the bison are expected to be completed around May of 2016, with appearances their local communities throughout the summer. She adds that these public art pieces will also be highlighted along the Bicentennial Torch Relay route, running from September 9 through October 15, 2016, culminating in Indiana’s Bicentennial Statehood Day on December 11, 2016.
“We at Indiana Association of United Ways are excited for this new and unique way to engage with our communities across the state. We believe this project will be a chance for counties to display their county pride and individuality while simultaneously boosting awareness about Indiana United Ways and Funds’ community efforts and initiatives,” says Dr. Nate Otte, JCUW 2015-2016 Board President.
Hoosiers from across the state are being encouraged to get involved in this project. Couch says that interested sponsors, artists and community organizations may contact the Jackson County United Way for county-specific details for the project. She adds that information will soon be posted online at www.indianabisonart.org.