‘Squeezable’ highland cows visit local art class
CENTER TWP — Remy and Winston were dressed as witches for the Halloween trick-or-treat walk-in art class Saturday at Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics.
People who came to express their creativity by painting ceramics, wood signs or canvass were given time during the class to take photos and snuggle with both Remy and Winston -- a pair of baby mini highland cows.
“They’re cuties. They’re like farm puppies,” said owner Christine Steele.
The shaggy cows from Pure Passions Farm in Ohio are regular guests at Steele’s shop where themed events are intertwined with artistic expression. The Butler County Humane Society is bringing adoptable pets to the Nov. 13 class.
Remy and Winston, both less than a year old, come once or twice a month and stay for both of the daily painting sessions, Steele said.
“It’s a chance for kids to get close to animals and paint,” Steele said.
She said she can’t explain the recent rise in popularity of highland cows, but understands their appeal.
“They’re adorable,” Steele said.
The animals are brought inside thanks to the grace of Steele’s landlord so inclimate weather doesn’t dampen the fun.
Parents bring their children, adults bring themselves and groups also come to create art at Steele’s shop.
Amy McCoubrey of Butler brought her daughter Vivienne Buser and her friend Danica Getz for the first time so they could check out the cows and do some painting.
Buser said Remy and Winston are “fluffy and cute.”
The trio painted ceramic decorations and canvas. They applied glaze to some of the ceramics, which Steele’s will “fire” in a kiln before they can be picked up in seven to 10 days.
“I like it. It’s local and it’s fun,” McCoubrey said.
Lindsey Cupps, of Harmarville, and Debby Rennie, of Pittsburgh’s Banksville neighborhood, also came for the first time because of the cows.
Rennie said she is a fan of all cows, but found Remy and Winston to be “squeezable.”
They were making colorful canvas paintings of the furry bovines.
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Penny Panchura pets Winston the highland cow at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Winston the highland cow from Pure Passion Farm relaxs at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics during an event visit, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Ella Tilter pets Winston the highland cow at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Vivienne Buser, left, and Danica Getz visit Winston the highland cow at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Lanigan Neigh paints a ceremic plate at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics during an event featuring a highland cow visit, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Garrah Neigh paints a highland cow ceramic at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics during an event featuring a visit from live highland cows, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Lindsey Cupps pets Winston the highland cow at Steele's Brushes & Ceramics, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
