PONIES in the PARK Public Art Project

Public outdoor art events such as “Cows on Parade” have been successfully held all over the world for decades to the delight of millions of people. Other examples include “Pronghorn Pride” (Rawlins, Wyo.), “Frogs on the Rocks” (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), “What a Hoot” (Coxsacken, Ky.), and “Horses in the City” (Shawnee, Okla.).

“Ponies in the Park” was to be one of Ouray County’s signature events for the 2026 celebration of Colorado’s Sesquicentennial, our 150th anniversary of statehood. The event would have been available for viewing 24-7 for the entire summer of 2026.

Purpose

A major goal of this project is to make Ridgway a short term destination for tourists and help local businesses.  People who encounter the event will linger in town longer than they otherwise would have to discover and view all the horses. They will get to know Ridgway better and many will likely eat in local restaurants and make other purchases. This project will also showcase the talents of our local artists.

How it works 

Blank white fiberglass molds of a local animal are manufactured and shipped to the host location where local artists will creatively paint and decorate the animals for display in public places. There will be an artists stipend bu the amount will depend on the funds raised.  Our local steering committee chose horses as our animal representative. Artistic themes will reflect how our geography, history and cultures have shaped today’s Colorado.  The horses can be auctioned off for charity at the end of the summer but another option is to leave them on permanent display.  See the exciting results in Jaspar, Alabama, with their 50 Mules Project at wcart.org.  It proved so popular that there are now almost 80 mules around Warren County.

Venues

A major goal of this project is to make Ridgway a short term destination for tourists and help local businesses.   Hartwell Park would be the primary location with satellite locations along Sherman St., Clinton St., the fairgrounds, library, and Ranch History Museum. In addition, some “strays” could be displayed at Fellin Park near the Ouray city pool to promote the event and encourage people to stop in Ridgway.

Budget 

Each life-size horse costs approximately $1,800 and we would need to have at least 12 animals for a worthy event.  A budget of about $50,000 is necessary to cover associated costs such as fabrication, shipping, artists stipends, installation and advertising. We will need to secure funds by August of any year (to present an event the following summer) through contributions raised through grants, businesses, organizations, and individuals (via local collection jars, GoFundMe and a website).

How to participate

Contact us NOW if you are interested in participating--either to contribute funds or paint a horse, or, to host a pony on your property. We need to hear from you by August of the year prior before we can schedule the event as there is a long lead-time to manufacture the molds. Send us an email to edwardbovy@yahoo.com with a message line of "Ponies".