In 1998, Zürich hosted a public art display called “Countryside in View,” which would ultimately be copied many times, especially in the United States. Painted fiberglass lions (the symbol of Zürich) were put on display throughout the city.

Chicago’s Mayor Daley brought the concept to Chicago in 1999, although it was tweaked a bit, becoming Cow Parade. Cows were selected for many reasons, including their universal appeal and the flexibility in design. Since then, more than 50 cities worldwide have had beautiful cow creations roaming their landscape. The Cow Parade led to other similar public art displays. These displays serve many purposes, such as artistic, tourism and cause-related.

Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet debuted in Chicago in 2005. The goal was to raise awareness of climate changes. The Cool Globes toured across the United States and then went international. In 2008, Park Ridge, a northwest suburb of Chicago, partnered with Rainbow Hospice in displaying rainbows.

Last year, artistic animals appeared across Park Ridge. The Noah’s Ark theme symbolized working together to make a difference. Dozens of beautiful buffaloes still dot the village of Buffalo Grove, also northwest of Chicago. The buffaloes debuted in 2001 as part of a village contest. The remaining ones leave no doubt to the traveler that you are in Buffalo Grove. The downtown area of Lexington, Ken., has hosted an annual “Pigs in the City” event since 2003 as a main part of the revitalization plan. Every year, new pigs are on display, although some of the previous years’ pigs remain.

I love these displays. They are so colorful and add a nice, unique touch to the landscape. They are just as interesting as many of the sculptures commissioned at high costs to decorate various areas.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist