Odessa, Texas — Odessa College is now accepting artist submissions for the redesign and repainting
of the college’s well-known 6-foot Jackrabbit statue, located at the corner of Andrews
Highway and 23rd Street. This public art opportunity invites artists to reimagine
the statue in a way that reflects the spirit of Odessa College—its commitment to excellence,
community engagement, and transformation through education. The redesigned Jackrabbit
will serve as a refreshed campus landmark and a visual celebration of Wrangler pride.
The statue is part of Odessa’s beloved Jackrabbit Jamboree, a public art initiative launched in 2004 featuring 37 large jackrabbit sculptures
displayed throughout the city. These vibrant works have become cultural symbols that
are frequently admired and photographed by residents and visitors alike. The selected
artist will not only bring renewed life to the Odessa College Jackrabbit, but will
join an ongoing community tradition that contributes to Odessa’s identity and sense
of place.
This year’s project also provides the opportunity to update the statue’s current paint,
which has faded and weathered over time. “This is a wonderful chance to revitalize
a piece of art that has meant a great deal to our campus for many years,” said Kim
McKay, Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management and Chairperson
for the Campus Art Committee. “We are excited to see how local artists will bring
new beauty, creativity, and spirit to the Jackrabbit. Public art plays a meaningful
role in welcoming people to our campus and celebrating who we are as a college, and
we know this redesign will inspire both our campus community and our visitors.”
The selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend and will be recognized for contributing
to Odessa College’s public art collection and to the broader artistic landscape of
Odessa. Odessa College will provide paint for the project; however, all additional
materials, tools, supplies, and travel costs will be the responsibility of the artist.
This opportunity is open to artists from any location, with preference given to artists,
students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who reside in the Permian
Basin. Individual artists and collaborative teams are welcome to apply, and OC faculty,
staff, and their immediate family members are eligible.
Design concepts should reflect the theme “The Spirit of Odessa College,” interpreted through ideas such as academic excellence, transformation, Wrangler pride,
creativity, and connection to West Texas. Artists are encouraged to express this theme
in their own visual style while honoring the college’s mission and values.
To apply, artists should submit a resume or biography, a letter of intent describing
their artistic approach, design sketches or renderings, and examples of previous work.
References may be included but are not required.
Submissions are due by Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The selected artist
will be announced in January 2026, with project completion planned for Spring 2026.
For questions or to submit proposal materials, artists are invited to visit https://www.odessa.edu/campus-community/visualperformingartsoncampus/jackrabbitstatue.html. Artists are also welcome to contact the Odessa College Marketing Department at mmr@odessa.edu or call 432-335-6416.