Page 106 - Abilene Living

variety of media and design, many of which were purchased and remain a permanent part of Abilene’s cultural landscape. An “Outdoor Sculpture Tour” brochure for adults and an “I Spy” brochure for children are available for free at several locations to allow interested art lovers to take a self-guided tour of the sculptures and learn more about the artists.

No sculpture created the buzz of excitement and outpouring of support experienced by The Herd until Dino Bob, created by Bob Wade, for the twenty-year anniversary exhibit. Wade created Dino Bob as a tribute to William Joyce’s book and beloved character, Dinosaur Bob. For six blissful years,

Dino Bob perched happily atop the Parking Garage at North 1 st and Cedar Streets, an orange Volkswagen dangling precariously from his mouth, until it was dictated he needed to be refurbished or removed.

The mere mention of Bob’s possible extinction set off a frenzy of activity. Dino Bob friendly parents, along with their young children, many of whom had never been downtown without seeing Bob’s friendly gaze, were upset. In spite of the fact he had lost his pristine appearance, he was “our” Dino Bob, and we would have none of it!

Joyce McGlothlin’s fourth grade class at Bowie Elementary led the campaign to raise the money to refurbish Bob, and children in “Save Dino Bob” T-shirts and waving “Save Dino Bob” signs marched below the sculpture. In short order, thanks to donors, downtown businesses, H-E-B Grocery Store, and the Community Foundation of Abilene, the money was raised to refurbish Bob.

Then came the second challenge: how to orchestrate the moving, rehabilitation and re-installation of this fne 3,000 lb. specimen. In true Abilene fashion, the outpouring of support to rejuvenate Bob was remarkable. Epic Construction, Lauren Engineering and Willis Supply helped with the removal and relocation of Bob. Sterling Volkswagen generously offered to redo the Volkswagen, Larry Millar once again stepped in, volunteering to spearhead the renovation with the help of his art students at Premier High School, and Chuck Statler generously lent his warehouse to be used as Bob’s “spa” for his rehabilitation. John Hill, Chairman

of the Outdoor Sculpture Committee created Dino Bob ’s website so the community could keep up with the progress, and another volunteer created Bob’s Facebook page. Within three days Bob had more than 800 friends!

Six months from the time he was sent in for rehabilitation, Dino Bob was once again spreading

his good karma throughout the downtown, smiling benevolently from his new perch on top of the Boggs Daniel Building. Mayor Archibald proclaimed June 12, 2008, Dino Bob Day in Abilene and urged “each and every citizen to adopt the generous and friendly spirit personifed by Dino Bob.” Artist Bob Wade came to Abilene and led the unveiling amid loud cheers from the crowd that had gathered to witness the rebirth of Dino Bob.

The stories of The Herd and Dino Bob are two examples of how the arts contribute to a sense of community. Families, businesses, and art lovers all bonded together to save them. Both sculptures contribute enormously to the fabric of our community and add an artistic dimension that is truly unique to Abilene. They’re our “cows” and our “dinosaur,” beloved by many and an integral part of this place we call home. U ALM

Dino Bob by Bob Wade was frst perched above a parking garage. After a massive campaign was launched to re-store the sculpture, it was re-installed atop the Boggs Daniel Build-ing. OPPOSITE PAGE, Bottom Left The mayor proclaimed June 12, 2008, as Dino Bob day in Abilene and artist Bob Wade came to lead the unveiling. BOT-TOM RIGHT Joyce Mc-Glothlinâs fourth grade class helped raise the funds to restore Dino Bob .