Downtown Sheep

Sheep will begin popping up in San Angelo in October. Interest from sponsors has exceeded expectations. Brenda Gunter says "oh my gosh! this is really going well! Lets take it up to 25." The fiberglass art project art will be continuously displayed downtown. Sponsors are matched with artists to convey a unique sheep design. Brenda Gunter says "one of the key things is what the sponsor wanted the sheep to say and what the art work they wanted done. We then knew which artist to recommend." The Texas Sheep and Goat Raiser Association will have a "Grand Champion Ewe" painted by renowned artist Raul Ruiz. Raul Ruiz says "with acrylic, I wont completely use the brushes, I may use other ways to get the wool effect. To get the face and ears, I used oil." The sheep are expected to weather the elements downtown for at least five years. Raul Ruiz says "it will be clear coated. Once I am finished, it goes to an auto body shop. That way it will last a long time in the weather." The first public appearance for the sheep will be at the Ms. Wool pageant. Brenda Gunter says "we are going to use these fiberglass sheep as our Ms. Wool pageant contestants. They will be the focus of our parade starting at eleven a.m. on October 13.