Odessa College is home to a 6 foot tall jackrabbit statue, proudly located at the
corner of Andrews Highway and 23rd Street. This beloved campus landmark is part of
Odessa’s iconic Jackrabbit Jamboree; a public art initiative launched in 2004 featuring
37 six-foot jackrabbits displayed across the city. These colorful, creative statues
are a point of pride for Odessa, frequently visited and photographed by residents
and tourists alike.
Calling All Artists!
Currently, Odessa College is looking for an artist to give our campus Jackrabbit a
bold new look that captures the Spirit of Odessa College and our mission to transform
lives and communities through education, community engagement, athletics, and a history
of excellence at a local, state, and national level.
The selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend and will be recognized for contributing
to both the Odessa College and citywide art legacy. Odessa College will provide paint
for the project; however, all other materials, tools, supplies, and travel costs are
the responsibility of the artist.
Submission Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025, by 5:00 PM
Artist Selection Announced: January 2026
Project Completion: Spring 2026
Open to artists from any location with preference in judging given to artists, students,
alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who reside in the Permian Basin.
OC faculty, staff, and their immediate family members are eligible to apply.
Individual artists or artist teams are welcome to apply.
“The Spirit of Odessa College” — Designs should reflect what Odessa College stands
for:
Excellence and opportunity
Transformation through education
Wrangler pride and community spirit
Diversity, creativity, and connection to West Texas
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively while honoring the college’s
values and community roots.
Designs may be representational or abstract.
Artwork must be original and family-friendly (no political, religious, or inappropriate
imagery).
The design must complement the three-dimensional shape of the Jackrabbit statue.
The finished piece will become a permanent part of Odessa College’s public art collection
and the city’s broader Jackrabbit Jamboree legacy. Selected artists will sign an agreement
with Odessa College.
The selected artist will:
Prepare, prime, and repaint the existing 6-foot Jackrabbit statue.
Collaborate with Odessa College representatives on final design approval and project
timeline.
Complete the project by the agreed-upon deadline.
Use paint provided by Odessa College (all other materials are the artist’s responsibility).
Artists should submit the following materials as part of their application:
Resume and/or Artist Biography: A brief overview of your artistic background, education, and relevant experience (max
500 words).
Letter of Intent: Describe your concept and how it embodies “The Spirit of Odessa College.” Share your artistic vision, inspiration, and approach (max 500 words).
Design Concept:
Include sketches, mockups, or digital renderings of your proposed design (3–5 images).
Include an image list with title, year, medium, and brief description.
Portfolio or Work Samples: Provide a portfolio or examples of past artworks (class assignments, personal art
pieces, public art pieces, commissions, or relevant creative projects).
References (Optional): Include contact information for up to two references familiar with your work.
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
Creativity and originality
Connection to the theme “The Spirit of Odessa College”
Quality and feasibility of the design
Artist’s experience and ability to complete the project on time