The City of Odessa announced a new public‑art initiative aimed at celebrating the community’s beloved jackrabbit motif. Officials say the program will bring fresh visual interest to streets, parks and civic spaces while giving local talent a chance to showcase their work.
How the contest works
Artists of any age or experience may enter by completing the online entry form at wkf.ms/4ybIKef. Submissions must be original designs that can be transferred onto a three‑foot jackrabbit sculpture. The city’s Arts and Culture Committee will review all entries and forward a shortlist to a panel of local business owners, who will vote for their favorite pieces.
Each winning artist will receive a $1,000 stipend for every jackrabbit design that is selected for painting and public display. The stipend is intended to cover materials, labor and the artist’s time, ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their contribution to the city’s visual landscape.
Where the jackrabbits will appear
Once painted, the jackrabbit figures will be installed at high‑traffic locations throughout Odessa, including downtown plazas, park entrances and near municipal buildings. City officials hope the colorful installations will become landmarks that both residents and visitors associate with Odessa’s unique character.
City leadership’s perspective
Mayor John Doe (name placeholder) praised the project as a “creative way to support our local artists and bring a sense of pride to our neighborhoods.” He added that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader effort to promote community‑driven projects that reinforce family‑friendly environments and celebrate the region’s heritage.
City Manager Jane Smith noted that the program also serves an economic purpose. By commissioning local artwork, the city keeps dollars circulating within the community, supporting small‑scale creators rather than outsourcing to outside firms.
How to get involved
Artists interested in participating should submit their designs by the deadline of December 15, 2026. Detailed guidelines, including size specifications and material requirements, are available on the city’s official website at discoverodessa.org/jackrabbit-jambore. For questions, residents can call the city’s Arts and Culture Office at (432) 272‑6539.
The program is open to all residents of Odessa and the surrounding Ector County area. Organizers encourage families, schools and community groups to attend the unveiling events, which will be scheduled after the first batch of jackrabbits is painted.
Why the jackrabbit matters
The jackrabbit has long been a symbol of the Permian Basin’s rugged spirit and natural landscape. By re‑imagining the creature through contemporary art, the city hopes to bridge its historic roots with a modern, vibrant aesthetic that reflects the values of faith, family and individual liberty cherished by many Odessans.
Local businesses have already expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that the colorful installations could draw foot traffic to nearby storefronts and encourage shoppers to explore different parts of the city.
Overall, the jackrabbit design contest exemplifies Odessa’s commitment to fostering a thriving, arts‑rich environment that supports creators, engages citizens and enhances the visual appeal of public spaces.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
