Art In Public Places

Edmond’s public art program has helped ll the city with a sense of community and culture. The Edmond Visual Arts Commission is responsible for all of the public art around the city, and is in charge of expanding the art collection, promoting the public art program, and maintaining the pieces. These pieces are funded in one of three ways: Donations, public/private partnerships, and CIP 1% set-aside funds.

The public art program began in 2002, with 14 pieces in the inventory. Now, there are over 300 pieces, with our 300th being added to inventory in August of 2022 during the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival. Within this collection, there are many installations from Oklahoma natives, and some from artists who are known and admired throughout the world. The City’s art program has created a great attraction for tourists and given Edmond residents something to be proud of.

Downtown Art Tour

This tour showcases many di erent art pieces, with an incredible number of artists and a wide range of materials that the art is made of. There are more than 30 art installations in this tour alone, each one with its own mind-blowing detail. Many Edmond residents know about these pieces, but with this self-guided tour, those from both near and far can nally hear the stories behind these installations. To view more art pieces, there are many installations located in the city building, the Edmond Historical Society and Museum, and more.

1 - Home Delivery - Blair Muhlestein

Located at the northwest corner of Edmond Road and Broadway

2 - Centennial Clock - Verdin Company

Located in the median at the north side of the Edmond Road and Broadway intersection

3 - Unlimited Horizon - Gary Lee Price

Located between Edmond Rd and 1st Street on the west sidewalk.

4 - Story Time - Blair Muhlestein

Located on the southwest corner of 1st and Broadway

5 - Engage - Destiny Allison

Located on the southwest corner of 1st and Broadway

6 - Cobra Lilies - Tony Hochstetler

Located on the northwest corner of 1st and Broadway

7 - Innocence - David Pearson

Located on the northwest corner of 1st and Broadway

8 - Come Unto Me - Rosalind Cook (Privately Owned)

Located on the west sidewalk between 1st and Main

9 - Country Chic - Sandra Van Zandt

Located on the west sidewalk between 1st and Main

10 - Ham and Eggs - DD Mason

Located on the west sidewalk between 1st and Main

11 - Rough Cut Swiss - David Phelps

Located on the southwest corner of Main and Broadway

12 - Above it All - Sandy Scott

Located on the southwest corner of Main and Broadway

13 - Giant Steps - Gary Alsum

Located on the northwest corner of Main and Broadway

14 - Humpty Dumpty - Kimber Fiebiger

Located on the west sidewalk between Main and Hurd in front of the City Administration Building

15 - Vertigoat - Tim Cherry

Located next to the parking lot entrance on the west side of Broadway between Main and Hurd

16 - Chauncey - Jim Budish (Privately Owned)

Located in front of Shadid & Schaus Building at Hurd and Broadway

17 - Morning Mist - David Pearson

Located in front of Shadid & Schaus Building at Hurd and Broadway

18 - Silent Desert - David Pearson

Located on the southwest corner of Hurd and Broadway

19 - Little Shepherd Girl - Dee Toscano

Located on the northwest corner of Hurd and Broadway

20 - Share The Love - Zonly Looman

Located on the northeast corner of Broadway and Campbell

21 - Yellow Ribbon - Rich Muno (Privately Owned)

Located on the south side of the post office at Campbell and Broadway

22 - Destiny - David Pearson

Located on the sidewalk on the South side of Campbell, directly across from Yellow Ribbon

23 - Dancing with Dolphins - Kevin Robb

Located on the southeast corner of Campbell and Broadway

24 - Jester - Victor Issa

Located on the northeast corner of Hurd and Broadway

25 - Woman with Shawl - Shirley Thomson Smith

Located on the east side of the sidewalk in front of Citizens Bank and Hurd and Broadway

26 - Face Fragment II III and IV - Susan Evans

Located on the northeast corner of Main and Broadway

27 - Table Dancer - David Coddaire

Located on the northeast corner of Main and Broadway

28 - Historic Edmond Mural - Dr Bob Palmer

Located on the southeast corner of Main and Broadway on the north face of the building

29 - Paper Airplane Journeys of the Imagination - Gary Lee Price

Located on the southeast corner of Main and Broadway

30 - Nesting - Rosie Sandifer

Located on the northeast corner of 1St and Broadway

31 - Puppy Love - Marianne Caroselli

Located on the southeast corner of 1St and Broadway

32 - Color Crazy Swirl - Andrew Carson

Located between 1st Street and 2nd Street on the east sidewalk

Home Delivery

“Home Delivery” by Blair Muhlestein welcomes you to downtown Edmond, as it sits on the corner of 2nd Street and Broadway. This sculpture depicts a paper boy on his route, riding a bike with a newspaper in hand, ready to throw.

“Home Delivery” was placed in Edmond in 2003 and is the only statue in the collection with a logo on it. On the boy’s delivery bag is the logo from The Edmond Sun, which was the city’s former news publication. The Edmond Sun began on a hot July evening in 1889. It was the oldest continuously published newspaper in the state of Oklahoma until they unfortunately shut down due to hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through “Home Delivery,” the memory of The Edmond Sun and their legacy of more than 100 years may live on.

Centennial Clock

Verdin Company

“Centennial Clock” by Verdin Company is one of the rst things that almost anyone driving through Edmond will see. This clock sits at 2nd Street and Broadway Extension, the busiest intersection in the city. It is one of the most recognized pieces of art in Edmond, Oklahoma.

This clock was purchased for the city of Edmond by the Centennial Commission in 2006.

Unlimited Horizon

Gary Lee Price

“Unlimited Horizons” by Gary Lee Price is a bronze piece that was placed in Edmond in the year 2012. This sculpture was paid for in partnership with Fred and Judy Thorwart. It depicts a young pilot, holding an airplane and looking up at the sky.

This statue tells the story of the journey of life. The artist Gary Lee Price says “As our young pilot looks up at the vast skies and contemplates his next ight, he is fully aware that although he is going to arrive at his destination, his ‘journey’ has only begun! He realizes that not only will there be many storms and course corrections along the way, it will be worth the e ort and he will nd incredible joy and happiness en-route!”

Story Time

Blair Muhlestein

“Story Time” by Blair Muhlestein is a detailed statue that depicts a young girl reading a story to an adorable audience. If you look closely at the piece, you will see that the girl is reading Cinderella, and the two stu ed animals that she is reading to are the Velveteen Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh. The artist of “Story Time,” Howard Blair Muhlestein, also known as Blair Muhlestein, was known for his sculptures of realistic children.

This statue was paid for in partnership with Mo and Richard Anderson. It was brought to Edmond in 2003 and was purchased for only $19,000. That price would be almost impossible to nd today for such a magni cent piece of art.

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Engage

Destiny Allison

“Engage” by Destiny Allision is a massive metal masterpiece that sits at the corner of Broadway Extension and 1ST Street. This sculpture is made entirely out of fabricated steel and made its way to Edmond in 2006. It was sponsored by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission in partnership with Randel and Dana Shadid.

“Engage” embodies a sense of strength and beauty. On Destiny Allison’s website, she says “Organic metal sculptures enhanced with geometric shapes give voice to the beauty and complexity of my everyday experience. Each unique sculpture has a story. Every shape has a meaning. Through a combination of shapes, colors, and forms, I explore the relationship between what we know and what we desire.”

Cobra Lilies Tony Hochstetler 6

“Cobra Lilies” by Tony Hochstetler is a wonderfully detailed sculpture that takes realism to a di erent level. It was placed in Edmond in 2007 and was paid for in partnership with Jimmie Shadid-Brown. The cobra lilies depicted in this piece look as if they have sprouted straight out of the ground. Tony Hochstetler is an artist who brings small elements to life that you would not necessarily see otherwise. The plants in this sculpture are accompanied by two frogs, which becomes an interesting detail when you learn that cobra lilies are carnivorous. This fact seems to leave you wondering: Are these frogs competing for food, or are they the next meal?

Innocence

“Innocence” by David Pearson is one of the rst few public art pieces to be placed in the city of Edmond. It was purchased by the City of Edmond before the Edmond Visual Arts Commission was formed. The statue was installed in 2002.

This stunning bronze is a true embodiment of its name. With her gentle stance and small stature, the girl depicted in this sculpture radiates tenderness. One of the goals that David Pearson tries to meet in his work is creating a sense of innocence, and this piece is the perfect example of that.

Come Unto Me

“Come unto Me” by Rosalind Cook is a privately-owned bronze that depicts Jesus surrounded by children. This piece was actually a public piece at one point in time, but due to some controversy surrounding publicly owned art representing religion, it became private.

On the artists website, she goes into great detail about this sculpture. “As I sculpted this seven-foot gure of Jesus, I endeavored to project his compassion, his strength, and his great love for us as children of God. I love the fact that Jesus is giving his full attention to the young girl reaching up to him either with her needs or in adoration and gratitude. He meets us on an individual basis no matter where we are in life. The other child is sleeping with secure con dence in his arms. It is my hope that this sculpture will be a ministry wherever it is placed.”

Country Chic

“Country Chic” by Sandra Van Zandt is the second piece to be placed outside of Edmond restaurant, Around the Corner. This bronze is a partnership piece with Around the Corner Restaurant and friends. Around the time that this sculpture was placed, the owner of the restaurant was in the process of selling it, and some of the proceeds from the sale went toward purchasing “Country Chic.” This statue was the perfect addition to this spot, and it sits right next to “Ham and Eggs” by DD Mason. These two pieces sitting side by side seem as if they were always meant to be together.

Ham and Eggs

Mason

“Ham and Eggs” by DD Mason sits right outside of one of Edmond’s most beloved diners, Around the Corner. In 2005, the owner of the restaurant, Charlotte, was approached about purchasing this particular piece. She instantly fell in love with it but did not have the initial funds to partner on the sculpture. Charlotte quickly set up a jar at the front of a restaurant with a picture of “Ham and Eggs” taped to it. Each week, she totaled up the money in hopes that she had raised enough. With the help of Around the Corner’s customers, the money was raised to place the piece.

Rough Cut Swiss David Phelps

“Rough Cut Swiss” by David Phelps is an intriguing sculpture that depicts a large rat sitting on top of an even larger piece of swiss cheese. This piece was crafted out of bronze and steel and was installed in Edmond in 2013. It was sponsored by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission in partnership with Randel Shadid.

This sculpture is made up of incredible detail, and at the same time, gives you a sense of whimsicalness. One of the more humorous details about “Rough Cut Swiss” is that it sits right in front of an Italian restaurant. Where else but Edmond, Oklahoma could you nd this type of statue right in front of a dining establishment?

Above it All Sandy Scott

“Above it All” by Sandy Scott is a powerful bronze that was sponsored by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission in partnership with Mo and Richard Anderson. This piece was brought to Edmond in 2005 captures the attention of nearly everyone who passes by. It is one of four eagle statues across the city.

“Above it All” depicts a large bald eagle taking ight o of a branch. The utter size and intensity that this sculpture possesses makes it a prime piece to pose with for photos. There is no landscaping in the ower beds below the piece, as there are far too many visitors posing with and visiting it.

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Giant Steps

“Giant Steps” by Gary Alsum is one of the earlier pieces to be displayed in Edmond. This sculpture was placed the city in 2002 and was purchased by the City of Edmond before the Edmond Visual Arts Commission was formed. It was also one of Gary Alsum’s rst life-sized sculptures.

The central theme of Gary Alsum’s work is to celebrate the gift of life. In his words, he may regard his sculptures as successful if they “…heighten the viewer’s awareness of how precious is that gift.” The lighthearted nature of “Giant Steps” does an amazing job at bringing an appreciation toward the gift of life.

Humpty Dumpty

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Kimber Fiebiger

“Humpty Dumpty” by Kimber Fiebiger is one of Edmond’s most popular art pieces. This interesting egg was paid in partnership with Edmond employees and friends. The sculpture was rst suggested by Edmond employees Brenda Mayer and Linda Cresse when they noticed that the City Administrative Building did not have any art in front of it. The women approached Randel Shadid, a member of the Edmond Visual Arts Commission at the time, and looked at the available options. After some searching and a plethora of donations, “Humpty Dumpty” found his home.

Although some may have found “Humpty Dumpty” to be a peculiar choice, he has quickly become a fan favorite. Since 2009, this bronze has been sitting tall on his wall with no fears of getting knocked down. Visitors are often found sitting on the wall and taking pictures with the piece.

“Vertigoat” by Tim Cherry is a playful statue that is very tall and slight. This abstract mountain goat rests on a post, which makes it blend in easily with its surroundings. This piece was placed in Edmond in the year 2004 and was sponsored by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission in partnership with Randel Shadid.

According to Tim Cherry, it is always a goal to test the limits of his creativity and achieve something great. “I hope to create the best possible sculpture that I can by building strong designs through shape, line, texture, and color. Always pushing my artistic boundaries to achieve what has not been done before, reaching out and experimenting with new designs and gestures.”

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“Chauncey” by Jim Budish is a whimsical sculpture that has become a xture in the community. This piece was donated to the City of Edmond on January 26, 2022 by Randel and Dana Shadid. The large ears and curious stance that this bronze displays make it a fun experience for viewers.

The artist of “Chauncey,” Jim Budish, has a unique style when it comes to his art. On his website, it states… “ I wanted to create my own new and unique direction in representing the human form and the forms of the multitude of special creatures surrounding us, exploring the unique attitude, emotion and personality of each…”

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Morning Mist

David Pearson

“Morning Mist” by David Pearson is an etheral piece that captures the attention of passersby. The posture and pose of this sculpture demonstrate a sense of purity while remaining somewhat risqué.

The story of “Morning Mist” in the city of Edmond began with a surplus $100,000 in the City budget. Randel Shadid went to the Central Edmond Urban board and suggested ve pieces, with this to be the sixth. “Morning Mist” was the rst piece to be bought with public and private matching funds. This sculpture was purchased by the City of Edmond in partnership with Randel Shadid and Stephen Schaus before the Edmond Visual Arts Commission was formed.

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Silent Desert

David Pearson

“Silent Desert” by David Pearson is a captivating sculpture that deserves a second look. At rst glance, some viewers may nd this piece to be somewhat chilling, as the veil hanging over the face of a woman provides some sort of mystery, but this could not be further from the truth. If you look closely, you can see the outline of her face behind the veil and a sense of innocence is captured. This sculpture was paid for in partnership with with Randel Shadid and Stephen Schaus. Randel Shadid says that “Silent Desert” makes him feel connected to his Lebanese culture. This particular statue was brought to the city of Edmond in 2005 and sits right outside of the Shadid and Schaus O ces.

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Little Shepherd Girl

Dee Toscano

“Little Shepherd Girl” by Dee Toscano was donated by Susan and Mike Arnold. This bronze belonged to Dr. Mona J. Motz (1941–2015), the aunt of Susan and Mike, and they donated it to the city in her memory. When the sculpture was rst donated, it was in rough shape, but thanks to some cleaning and a new patina, she looks astounding.

This sweet statue embodies a sense of peace and warmth. The piece portrays a little girl wrapped in a shawl with a tiny lamb right by her side. Inside the shawl, there is another lamb curled up against the girl, with its head barely peeking out.

Share The Love

“Share the Love” by Zonly Looman is an interactive art installation that encourages you to express your feelings toward those who you admire most. It was partnered on by David Maschino, Chris Dingess, and Matthew Meyers. Matthew often writes and mails love letters to his wife, and wanted to encourage people to do the same, sprouting the idea for “Share the Love.”

A note on this vibrant piece says “One day a man found himself thinking of someone he loved. So, he wrote a note in the old-fashioned way. Then, he mailed the letter which brought a smile to the person he loved. Now it’s your turn to pick up a pen, write a message to that special someone and drop it in the mailbox nearby.”

“Share the Love” hosts two boxes that are often lled with writing utensils and notecards, as well as at surfaces to write on.

Yellow Ribbon

Rich Muno 21 inner life and its connection with the human race.”

“Yellow Ribbon” by Rich Muno is a privately-owned sculpture representing a tragic moment in Edmond History. On August 20, 1986, a disgruntled part-time mail carrier opened re in the Edmond Post O ce, wounding six and killing 14 before taking his own life. Citizens across the area donated funds toward the purchase of this bronze. This statue features a couple standing on top of a pedestal, holding a yellow ribbon. This represents the yellow ribbons that were displayed in Edmond neighborhoods after the tragedy to show support for the victims. These pieces of fabric were tied onto trees, mailboxes, lampposts, and more. There is a plaque featured on the monument that displays the names of the 14 lives lost. There is also a large fountain surrounding the pedestal that features 14 spouts, representing each one of the victims.

Dancing with Dolphins

Kevin Robb

“Dancing with Dolphins” by Kevin Robb is a captivating sculpture that demonstrates movement and tranquility. This piece was hand-crafted out of stainless steel and has been welded together awlessly. It was paid in partnership with Saeed Zahrai and was placed in Edmond in 2015.

The artist behind “Dancing with Dolphins,” Kevin Robb, is a master of abstract thinking. He has produced a large number of contemporary sculptures and is sure to produce even more. In a quote from his website, Kevin says “There are always more sculpture ideas in my head than could ever be produced in a lifetime.”

Jester

Victor Issa

“Jester’ by Victor Issa is a fun and whimsical piece. It was paid in partnership with friends and family members in memory of Steve Gragg in 2007.

Victor Issa is known as a gurative sculptor with a remarkable ability to make bronze appear alive. His artistic hallmark “Creating Living Bronze” is the embodiment of his life focused spirituality, respect for the human gure, love of life, passion for perfection, and undaunted perseverance.

Victor has been sculpting for more than 30 years. His works have been featured in shows and exhibitions across America since 1985. Victor’s sculptures are displayed in private and public collections worldwide.

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Woman with Shawl

Shirley Thomson Smith

“Woman with Shawl” was the rst piece in Edmond’s inventory by Shirley Thomson Smith. Shirley is an Oklahoma City artist who was yearning to jumpstart her art career. Living as a single parent, working at a horrible job with just a year of alimony left, she knew that she had to start her career as an artist. From there, she quit her job and started creating bronze sculptures. Shirley Thomson Smith has now been a Prix de West artist for more than 30 years.

Some of Shirley’s greatest inspirations are the Navajo women that she met in Durango, Colorado. As you can see, “Woman with Shawl” is a wonderful example of the strength and power that Native American women exude. This statue stands tall and represents thousands of powerful women across the world.

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Face Fragment II, III, & IV

Susan Stamm Evans

“Face Fragments II, III, and IV” by Susan Stamm Evans are inspired by the human fascination with faces with their eyes obscured. Whether they may be covered by a hat, hood, or sunglasses, when the windows to the soul are covered, we are provided a sense of mystery. This sculpture takes this enigma a step further, as the faces are cut into fragments. The viewer can truly look into each element of the face without having the eyes as a distraction. On the artists website, she states “These faces can be imposing in their size and starkness, yet, the expressions are soft. With the lips lightly parted we are drawn to focus on the breath within.”

This piece was placed in Edmond in 2005 and was paid for in partnership with Randel and Dana Shadid, Dr. Krista and Dr. Stenson Jones, and Reverend Craig.

Table Dancer

“Table Dancer” by David Coddaire is a fabricated steel statue with a colorful bronze patina. This sculpture was placed in Edmond in 2009 and was made possible by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission partnered with Citizens Bank. It was one of four art pieces partnered on by Citizens Bank. The artist, David Coddaire, crafted “Table Dancer” to be a one of a kind piece just for Edmond, Oklahoma. Sadly, he passed away in the fall of 2012. He was known for his one of a kind steel sculptures that were said to “…reveal movement and strength through texture and color.”

“Historic Edmond Mural” by Dr. Bob Palmer is a treasure that helps represent many key components of the city. It is one of many murals that have been painted by Dr. Palmer in Edmond and across the world. He has created over 3,500 murals in the past 30 years, most of which are historical. When talking about his in uences from history, Dr. Palmer said, “History isn’t always pretty, but it’s a part of who we are.”

The “Historic Edmond Mural” is located o of Broadway and Main Street and was painted in 2008. It was paid for in partnership with the Downtown Edmond Business Association.

“Paper Airplane,” also known as “Journeys of the Imagination” by Gary Lee Price is a playful sculpture that gives an inside look into one of the most adventurous places: a child’s imagination. This piece depicts a small child gliding on top of a paper airplane. At the bottom of the tower, one can see the child folding a paper airplane, daydreaming about taking ight.

This bronze is set to represent the child-like joy that many of us lose as we venture into adulthood. Many of us get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget how to be kids again. Gary Lee Price also says that “Journeys of the Imagination” is a representation of “…freedom and rising above our problems and gaining that all so important ‘perspective’ on life.”

“Nesting” by Rosie Sandifer is one of the earlier pieces to be placed in Edmond. It was one of the original sculptures that was purchased by the City of Edmond before the Edmond Visual Arts Commission was formed. It was placed in Edmond in the year 2002.

The story behind nesting is a sweet one. The artist, Rosie Sandifer, witnessed a mother and daughter in a warm embrace on her way to the foundry, and asked if she could take a photo. The name was created when Sandifer observed a mother duck protecting her nest, reminding her of the unmatched bond between mother and child. This beautiful bronze is meant to serve as a representation of a mother’s love and protection, especially when her babies are still in her nest.

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Puppy Love

Marianne Caroselli

“Puppy Love” by Marianne Caroselli is a heartwarming bronze that was purchased by the City of Edmond before the Edmond Visual Arts Commission was formed. It was placed in the city in 2002 and was one of the original ve art pieces that were proposed by Randel Shadid.

The artist of this sculpture, Marianne Caroselli, is greatly inspired by her children, grandchildren, and other family and friends. She executes all of her art with a sense of warmth, and never portrays anything of brutality. Marianne wishes for all of her statues to be seen as calm and loving, which is exactly what “Puppy Love” does.

Color Crazy Swirl

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Andrew Carson

“Color Crazy Swirl” by Andrew Carson is a vibrant piece that often turns heads. This stainless steel and glass masterpiece was made possible by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission partnered with Phil and Bryanne Wallace. Unfortunately, the delicate glass on this sculpture has made it susceptible to damage from strong Oklahoma storms. Luckily, Andrew Carson knows his works so well that he can easily recreate any portions of “Color Crazy Swirl” that may be harmed.

Although strong storms may cause some chipping, this statue beautifully captures the movement of the wind and seems to become one with nature. Andrew Carson got his inspiration for the piece from the Chinook Winds in Boulder Colorado as well as the playful nature of pinwheels.