University News

Rocky on Parade 2015

January 5, 2015

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MACOMB, IL – The number of Rocky statues placed throughout Macomb will more than double in 2015 as the Western Illinois University College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) kicks off its Rocky on Parade 2015 campaign today, Monday, Jan. 5.

The project, which began in 2013, inspired by the Cows on Parade in Chicago, stemmed from an idea by WIU Art Professor Bill Howard to place artist-designed life-size fiberglass bulldogs around the City of Macomb and the WIU campus. Fourteen statues were installed as part of the first campaign, and money raised through the project benefitted scholarships for students at Western.

According to COFAC Director of Development Mick Cumbie, the goal for this year's effort is to add 18 new dogs around the city and campus. The project celebrates the University's traditions and strengthens the connection between WIU and Macomb, he added.

"We are so excited to be bringing Rocky on Parade back for a command performance," said COFAC Dean Billy Clow. "Rocky is such a great merger of Macomb and WIU. This project demonstrates how exciting and wonderful things can happen when we all work together."

As the campaign begins, dog sponsorships will be available for $1,500 for life-size dogs or $3,000 for larger-than-life statues. Regional artists will be invited to make each Rocky an original work of art. The completed works will be mounted on concrete bases at a location designated by each sponsor. A "dog walk" map will be available to showcase the location of each bulldog.

The fiberglass dogs will be purchased from the Chicago-based company, Cow Painters, which sells fiberglass statues for community-based art projects.

The finished Rocky statues will be unveiled Thursday, Sept. 24 during the WIU Alumni Association's annual Town and Gown Celebration. They will also be part of WIU's Homecoming Parade Saturday, Oct. 3.

Members of the Rocky on Parade Committee include Howard, Cumbie, COFAC Dean Billy Clow, Facilities Management Director Scott Coker, Assistant Professor of Art Duke Oursler, Assistant Professor of Art Ian Shelly, Facilities Management Graphic Design Associate Natalie Divan and WIU Department of Art Office Manager Stacy Dorethy. This year's Rocky on Parade campaign is joined by corporate sponsors Fusion Tech, of Roseville, (IL), which will donate the steel for the plaques that accompany each bulldog, and Wayland Ready Mix Concrete, of Macomb, which will donate the concrete for the bulldog bases.

More information about the project and Rocky on Parade 2015 sponsor information can be found at wiu.edu/rockyonparade. To inquire about sponsorships, contact Cumbie at (309) 298-2620.

Posted By: Jodi Pospeschil (JK-Pospeschil@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing