Orleans County, NY | January 28th, 2025: In celebration of the Orleans County Bicentennial, local artists and organizations are encouraged to participate in the “Oxen of Orleans” public art project. This initiative will feature life-size, fiberglass ox figures which will be displayed throughout the county, creating a public art trail. The figures may be embellished to celebrate Orleans County's history, landmarks, and cultural pride.

Organizations, municipalities or businesses interested in taking part will need to purchase the ox figure and collaborate with an artist or team. The ox can be purchased through a fiberglass sculpture business on eBay.  Please note that the cost is $1,750 and shipping (+$1,000). The Ox Project Guidelines can be downloaded below.

The “Oxen of Orleans” project offers an opportunity for the community members to celebrate Orleans County’s history while fostering collaboration between local organizations and artists. This initiative promises to enhance the Bicentennial festivities and leave a lasting legacy of creativity and cultural pride in the county. 

 Some ideas to inspire potential designs: 

• Barre and Clarendon: Celebrating the region’s muck lands  
• Erie Canal: Tugboats, mule-drawn packet boats, and the canal’s legacy  
• Gaines: Historic Ridge Road and cobblestone buildings  
• Albion: Charles W. Howard legacy
• Holley: Waterfalls and the historic canal  
• Kendall: A vibrant carnival scene and barn quilt traditions  
• Lake Ontario: A tribute to the lake’s beauty, fishing & boating
• Lyndonville: Fireworks, flags, and the iconic Shoe Tree  
• Medina: The Big Apple, Sandstone Architecture and Canal Basin  
• Shelby: The wildlife refuge and its natural habitats

These are just a few possible themes. Artists are encouraged to create new interpretations. The selected designs will be used to decorate the life-sized ox figures, which will be placed in various locations across Orleans County for the public to enjoy throughout the Bicentennial year and beyond.

Besides the Cornell Cooperative Extensions' completed ox, more oxen are in the works including Orleans County, the town of Clarendon, Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks (Point Breeze) and the town of Carlton.

For organizations interested in obtaining an Ox please complete the form and we will be in contact with you. Download guidelines on how to obtain and paint the ox at this link:

Please complete this form to reach out to a member of the committee or register your Ox project. Also, email your proposal including a sketch of your design to orly@orleanscountytourism.com.