City Council modifies Dairy Valley cow art for community interaction

The Fine Arts and Historical Commission Meeting held on May 15, 2025, in Cerritos, California, showcased a significant artistic project that aims to enhance community engagement through public art. Central to the discussions was a large sculpture of a cow, measuring approximately 5.5 feet in height and 8.5 feet in both width and depth. The estimated cost of this art piece is around $279,000, and it is currently in progress.

The sculpture features a black and white patina cow, designed to be memorable and interactive. During the meeting, the artist presented progress photos, highlighting various elements of the piece. Notably, the city council requested modifications to the original design, including raising the cow's head to create a friendlier appearance. This change is intended to foster a more engaging interaction between the community and the artwork.

Additionally, the council emphasized the importance of local identity in the piece. The artist incorporated a logo of Dairy Valley Inn onto the feed bag in the sculpture, drawing inspiration from historical photographs to reflect the region's heritage. The figures accompanying the cow—a farmer, a little girl, and a dog—were also adjusted to represent the 1950s era, aligning with the council's request for authenticity in clothing and tools.

The meeting underscored the commission's commitment to creating art that resonates with the community's history and culture. As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a focal point for community interaction and pride, reinforcing Cerritos' dedication to public art initiatives. The next steps will involve further development of the sculpture, with ongoing input from the city council to ensure it meets the envisioned goals.