SAN ANGELO, Texas — Fiberglass sheep, part of the Downtown San Angelo, Inc. SHEEPTACULAR art project, are a common staple throughout San Angelo. The ewes, each individually painted by local artists, are a unique way to honor the former Wool Capital of the World.
Unfortunately, early Sunday July 18, one of the ewes was vandalized. Not too long after the piece was toppled off its base at 30 W. Concho Ave., the Downtown San Angelo, Inc. team received the news from a community member.
Downtown San Angelo, Inc. raises money with the sale of these sheep to various local businesses and organizations. The money spent to sponsor the cost of the vandalized ewe was an estimated $3,700. DTSA said this particular piece, with art inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and which took approximately 20-60 hours to paint, cannot be restored because of the extensive damage.
"That is kind of the range for artwork for the sheep because the artwork is very detailed. The artists take their time to complete the artwork. You know, they come up with the design, they go through every little edge, and every corner of the sheep to make sure it's the best it can be because it is something that would be on public display," Monica Ramos, DTSA assistant director, said.
"People go out and seek out the sheep and take photographs with the sheep. So, it's something that's not only important to our organization and artists but also our community and visitors alike."
Scott Sustek, Texas Leadership of San Angelo dean of students, is the artist behind the vandalized sheep. He's been an artist all of his adult life, and this is one of the 16 sheep projects he's been a part of since the project began.
"I feel a little sad for our community because, you know, art makes things better. It makes life better for people. People pose for pictures with these sheep. They smile, they have a good time. It's sort of like a touchstone for their travels," Sustek said.
Downtown San Angelo, Inc. has obtained surveillance footage which shows the possible suspects and are in the process of sending to the San Angelo Police Department.
