For the past decade, the streets of an increasing number of U.S. cities have been populated by herds of fantastically painted and ornamented animal statues, to the delight of locals and visitors. In these broadly successful public art projects, a particular animal is chosen, one or more versions of which are rendered in sculpture. The sculptor’s work is reproduced and decorated by artists working in 2-D and/or 3/D media, resulting in wildly individual aesthetic variety connected by a shared sculptural form. Wherever they appear, such animal statues are continually hunted out by tourists, adopted as mascots by local business and organizations, and marked out as meeting places for friends.

Expanding on the success of such public art endeavors, Flagstaff, AZ will soon have its own exhibition of painted mountain lions. In an original take on the animal sculptures project, Flagstaff’s forty puma sculptures will highlight the city’s commitment to being a safe and nurturing haven for young people. Each statue will be decorated to represent one of Search Institute’s Forty Developmental Assets, success factors for children and youth across such diverse categories as “Support,” “Empowerment,” and “Commitment to Learning.”

Businesses, agencies, and community service groups will sponsor sculptures, displaying them for at least one year at locations over the greater Flagstaff area. Sculpture sponsors will have the opportunity to choose a participating local or regional artist to decorate their statue and to choose an “Asset” to be depicted. Most of the participating artists will work with young people to decorate the mountain lion sculptures. Sculpture plaques on the completed pieces will identify sponsors, sculptor, artists, youth, Assets, and thought-provoking questions that spark thinking and conversation about viewers’ potential for building Assets.

Showcasing Flagstaff’s vibrant art scene as well as its identity as a supportive environment for young people, the P.A.W.S. project will greatly enhance the resident’s and visitor’s experience of our community.

The Program in Community, Culture, and Environment is a proud collaborator on this project, developed by the Assets Committee of the Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth. 

Please watch this sight for further details.