by Hanna Singh
A new wave of Bulldogs is headed to Ruston at the Big Bulldog Auction on September 19th. After a summer of crafting the second round of Bulldog statues, local artists have completed their creations, which will be auctioned off and displayed in front of local businesses.
Ten new Bulldog statues will be displayed at the Dixie Theater and auctioned off to raise funds for the Ruston Cultural District. Local business owners will have the chance to bid on these unique statues during the live auction. The winning bidders will have their Bulldogs installed in front of their businesses, and the statues will be added to The Bulldog Project map.
The Bulldog Project has showcased the talents of many local artists in the Ruston area, offering both residents and visitors an engaging collection of public art to explore. Ruston Main Street Director and Community Coordinator Amy Stegall highlighted the significant impact The Bulldog Project has had on the Ruston community.
“One thing is for sure; we love our Bulldogs around here! The culture that comes with being a college town is as old as our city itself. This project beautifully blends local artists’ work with that culture and history, making it a perfect fit for our Cultural District,” Stegall said. “We’re thrilled that this project offers our community and visitors a fun experience while shining a spotlight on the talented artists in our area. The money we raise will give us the opportunity to create other experiences and public art projects within the Ruston Cultural District.”
These new Bulldogs are being added to the existing collection currently displayed around Ruston. The 2024 wave features statues created by artists including Camellia Bailey, Nick and Hannah Bustamante, Whitney Caskey, Whitney Causey, Melanie Douthit, Bailee Golden, Fairan Hayes, Anna Grace Lee, Leanna Patterson, and Emily Vaccaro. Each artist contributed a unique design, further enriching the vibrant public art scene in Ruston.
Each Bulldog is uniquely designed and crafted by a different local artist, reflecting various creative themes and aspects of Ruston’s culture. Local artist Whitney Causey shared the inspiration behind her Bulldog, titled “Temporal Radiance,” explaining the concept and experiences that led to its creation.
“In my design for The Bulldog Project, bubbles are not merely playful whimsy, but profound vessels of meaning, each encapsulating the seeds of thought and the boundless potential of creation.” Causey said. “Born from the enchanting moments spent with my children, where the simple act of blowing bubbles revealed a universe of possibilities, these delicate spheres symbolize the birth and fleeting existence of ideas themselves. Each bubble invites viewers to consider the fragility and ephemeral nature of each moment and creative spark.”
The 10 new Bulldogs will enhance the Downtown area, strengthening the Cultural District and offering the community a richer experience. Tori Ward Davis, Director of Marketing and Communications at Experience Ruston, highlighted the cultural impact that The Bulldog Project will bring to both residents and visitors.
“Beatification through public art is a win-win for our community. Not only do you get to showcase the talent of local artists through public art installations, but you also enhance the quality of life of your residents and quality of experience for your visitors by making art free and accessible,” Ward said. “Public art projects like murals and The Bulldog Project often become standalone attractions, with visitors seeking out various installations in the area. Public art is an essential element of a thriving cultural scene, which in turn adds to the destination as a whole.”
The Big Bulldog Auction is set for September 19 at the Dixie Theater. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for a cocktail hour and viewing time, with the auction kicking off at 7 p.m. This event will be the final opportunity to purchase one of the Bulldog statues.
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