Hounds of all Hues
Leader file photos
The Bulldog Project is back and seeking artists for its final round of full-size bulldog statues to be painted and auctioned off to homes around town. Above are two from the original litter.
Another litter of colorful canines are on their way to brighten up Ruston this fall.
The Ruston Cultural District has announced the final round of the public art initiative known as the Bulldog Project, and it’s seeking artists to help bring these hounds of all hues to life once again.
After auctioning off the original group of fiberglass bulldog statues- turned art projects for more than $71,000 in 2022, not to mention multiple rounds of small Puppy Project spinoffs, the RCD has acquired one last wave of 10 full-size statues and is putting out the call for artists to submit their designs.
“We are super excited about this project,” RCD President Amy Stegall said. “It’s one we know everybody really likes and enjoys. At the last big auction, this was our promise, to put more public art out.”
Artists have until April 15 to send in their designs to the RCD. Those accepted to decorate a dog will receive notice on May 1, pick up their blank statue on June 3, and will return the completed project on Aug. 1.
Then the finished products will be auctioned off in September to find their forever homes on public display somewhere in Ruston.
Artists can visit https:// form. jotform. com/ 240427042196149 to apply or find more information.
The 10 new bulldogs will join 11 existing ones around town, depicting everything from local businesses and Louisiana Tech apparel to breakfast food and outer space.
Most of the original litter were displayed in temporary homes for a couple of years until auctioned off to their permanent locations.
That was because RCD needed those initial sponsorships to purchase the statues. But this time, the first wave was able to pay for the next, so these new bulldogs’ first stop will be their last.
“(The project) kind of encompasses who we are as a community and a culture,” Stegall said. “The Tech bulldogs are a big part of who we are. We’re able to incorporate that bulldog and the art culture of our community into a fun and engaging project.”
Money raised from the Bulldog Project goes back into the RCD to support future public art initiatives, events and the promotion of local culture.
Submission guidelines for artists are as follows: Up to Three Designs: There is a three-design maximum per artist. Each design must have its own dedicated form submission. (There is a template included in the application for design submittal.)
Appropriateness for Public Viewing: As the bulldogs will be displayed in public areas, artists are urged to consider appropriateness for a diverse public audience.
Blind Judging Panel: The judging process will be conducted by a blind panel, ensuring impartial evaluation without knowledge of the artists’ identities.
Responsibility for Design Execution: Artists whose designs are selected are expected to complete the design as submitted. The RCD will not be responsible for final payment if there are deviations from the submitted design.
Colorfastness and High-Quality Materials: Given the outdoor nature of this public art project, colorfastness is crucial. Only high-quality materials, including paints from the provided “ acceptable paints” list, may be used.
Artists are encouraged to consult with the RCD Board for alternative methods before submission.
Artist payment: Artists whose designs are chosen will receive a $500 supply stipend upon pickup of the blank dog. Upon returning the completed project as planned, each artist will receive an additional $1,000.
