NORTH WEBSTER, — The North Webster Community Public Library is participating in the statewide Bison-tennial Public Art Project by sponsoring a bison statue as part of the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration. This local project is a collaboration of the North Webster Library, Friends of the Library and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The 5 foot by 8 foot fiberglass bison will be painted and decorated by a local artist family, Barrett Family Artists, composed of Trent Barrett, Kasha Iacob, Kerry Barrett and Jace Barrett. The bison will then be put on display outside in anticipation of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay that will pass through North Webster on Sept. 29.

It is the goal of the Indiana Bison-tennial Public Art Project to have bison statues displayed in all 92 Indiana counties. A bison was chosen for this public art project since a bison is featured on the official state seal. Although never as abundant as on the Great Plains, bison once roamed Indiana during its early history, but were generally gone from the state by 1810.

“We are excited to participate in the Indiana Bison-tennial Public Art project,” stated North Webster Library Director Helen Leinbach.  “It’s a fun way to celebrate Indiana’s 200 years of history and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The library is currently holding a “Name the Bison” contest, asking patrons to submit suggestions for naming the statue.

The North Webster Library’s bison statue is expected to be on display outside the library by early summer.