BEDFORD — A beloved piece of Lawrence County public art is in need of a makeover before the nation’s 250th birthday.
Brad Bough, Vice President of the Lawrence County Historical Society, addressed the Lawrence County Commissioners on Tuesday morning to request assistance with repairs for the fiberglass bison statue that stands prominently on the courthouse lawn.
The statue is part of the statewide “Bison-tennial” Public Art Project, a legacy initiative created in 2016 to celebrate Indiana’s 200th birthday. Each of Indiana’s 92 counties received at least one five-foot-tall fiberglass bison to be decorated by local artists with themes unique to their community.
The Lawrence County bison, originally painted by artist Debbie Patton, serves as a visual encyclopedia of the region’s “treasures,” including these:
- The Empire Quarry: The famous site where limestone was harvested for iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Lincoln Memorial.
- Williams Covered Bridge: A nod to the county’s architectural history.
- Hoosier Basketball: Featuring imagery of local legend Damon Bailey and the championship history of the Bedford North Lawrence (BNL) Boys and Girls teams.
- Cinematic History: A depiction of a cyclist in honor of the Academy Award-winning film Breaking Away, which was filmed in the region.
Bough reported that the elements and human interaction have taken a toll on the landmark.
“The bison has been damaged by the weather and by people climbing on it,” Bough noted, emphasizing the need for professional restoration to preserve the integrity of the artwork.
The goal is to have the repairs completed before the United States Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary) celebration, which will take place on the courthouse square on July 4, 2026.
The commissioners took the request under advisement and have asked for a formal cost estimate for the repairs before moving forward.
Bough is seeking individuals or community groups with the skills to assist with the restoration project. You can contact Brad Bough at 812-275-6411 or email vetnet47@gmail.com.
