Festival provides fun outlet for creative art
There are a number of Jeep sculptures popping up in front of businesses around Butler.
The decorated cutouts are filled with vibrant colors and unique themes.
This is no coincidence because the Bantam Jeep Community Art Project showcases Butler's prominence in the diverse history of the automobile industry.
Seventy-two Bantam Jeep sculptures were designed by artists and other individuals to remind the community this is the 72nd year of the Bantam Jeep.
This is done in connection with the second annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, which will be in downtown Butler on Friday and at the Big Butler Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.
The Jeep cutouts are 4 feet tall, 8 feet long and 4 inches deep, and cost $250 each. This money goes to Butler Downtown, the nonprofit restoration group that seeks to revitalize downtown. These funds go toward boosting community spirit, promoting the arts, planning events and making the downtown area more aesthetically pleasing.
Jeep sculptures submitted to the Bantam Jeep Sculpture contest are voted on by the community, as hosted by Butler Downtown. The winner last year was the Butler Fire Department's fire truck Jeep, with one of the 101 Dalmatians riding shotgun.“Thank you to all businesses and organizations who purchased a Jeep sculpture this year,” said Chelynne Curci, Butler Downtown manager.“These contributions enable Butler Downtown to organize and execute fun activities like this one on a regular basis. Jeeps bring vibrancy to the downtown area, and the lavish designs give store fronts aesthetic diversity.”
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