Antelopes on Parade

In many cities around the world, summertime brings an assortment of strange visitors into the streets. Purple cats, plaid catfish and mirrored mushrooms all come out to bring an element of color and whimsy to the hot summer days. It started with cows. In 1999, the city of Chicago was overrun with colorful, life-sized statues of cows that seemingly roamed the streets of the city. When they arrived their appearance was only a dull white, but when they made their public debut, their coats were exploding with design and color. They delighted the residents and visitors of the city of Chicago and the concept took off. Now cities all over the world host parades of animals, fruits, objects, symbols whatever represents them best as a community.

The City of Lancaster, the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery, and the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery Associates are implementing the second year of this exciting public art project for the community of the Antelope Valley. Five fiberglass antelopes will be designed and created by local artists, unveiled at the California Poppy Festival™ and then installed in prominent public locations throughout the summer. Symbolic of the history of the Antelope Valley, the antelopes will also combine the unique artistry of local artists, partnership with community sponsors and public display venues throughout town to inspire and reflect the spirit of pride, partnership and collaboration that art can build in our area.

These antelopes, each sponsored through generous donations, will preside over different areas of the Poppy Festival grounds at Lancaster City Park on April 24th and 25th. But their work is not done when the Poppy Festival ends. They will spend the summer in public and semi-public locations in downtown Lancaster for all residents and visitors to enjoy. When they have soaked up enough of the summer sun, the antelopes will then travel to The Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery Associates fundraising event where they will be auctioned off to raise funds that will help the museum to bring quality exhibitions and programs to the citizens of Lancaster and residents of the Antelope Valley.