Submitted photos

Youth from the Burns Paiute Tribe helped paint colorful cows for the Drexel H. Foundation’s public art project and contest.

In 2021, the Drexel H. Foundation’s Art Builds Community: Reunites Communities Through Art project brought communities together to paint cutouts of cows, which were created by artist Kacie Shaffer. People of all ages were encouraged to make their mark by creating public art for Malheur County.

From July through October 2021, residents of Burns, Nyssa, Ontario, Vale, Seattle, Wash., and Fruitland, Idaho helped paint a colorful collection of cows.

These vibrant bovines were the stars of Drexel’s 2021 animated crash-course film entitled On the Moo-ve, which used Vale’s murals for the scene locations. You can watch the film online at thedrexelfoundation.org/crash-courses/.

Everyone who volunteered during, or participated in, Drexel’s 2021 events (cow painting, the T-shirt contest, or the crash-course video) was entered into a drawing for a free bike. Several people who painted the colorful cows won bikes during Drexel’s annual volunteer appreciation event last year.

Now, it’s time to share the fantastic, funky cows with everyone who travels through Malheur County. These vibrant bovines are viewable from public roads throughout Malheur County.

In an effort to engage all ages in the appreciation of public art, the Drexel H. Foundation launched a contest involving these creative creatures.

Here’ s how to enter:
• Follow the Drexel H. Foundation on Instagram or Facebook.
• Photograph 30 of the 36 colorful cows throughout Malheur County and tag the Drexel H. Foundation on social media.

The first person to complete the challenge will win a $50 gift card to a Malheur County business. The second person to complete the challenge will win a $25 gift card to a Malheur County business.

Visit thedrexelfoundation.org/funky-cows/ for more information.

Sandijean Fuson, president of the Drexel H. Foundation, likened the contest to a treasure hunt, adding, “This is a great way to keep youth involved with the art they created.”

The next time you travel through Malheur County, see if you can spot these colorful cows, especially those created by members of the Burns Paitute Tribe. Happy hunting!