Expanding the benefits of living in a university town, Dixie State University and the City of St. George are working hand in hand to establish DSU Trailblazers Art in the City.

Placing hand-painted bison statues in high-traffic areas and in front of local businesses around the city, the project will promote Dixie State University, local businesses and the arts while beautifying the city and creating a greater university town environment.

“Ever since we introduced the Trailblazer athletic identity in April, there has been a strong sense of support and enthusiasm on the Dixie State campus and throughout the southern Utah community,” DSU President Richard “Biff” Williams said. “We are thrilled to build on that excitement with the Dixie State University Trailblazers Art in the City project and create a thriving university town environment.”

Drawing attention to the art installation, a mobile app and printed maps will be distributed to help visitors and residents alike locate all of the Trailblazer statues in the county.

Each bison will be designed and hand painted by a local artist to illustrate Dixie State’s vision of “encouraging excellence, cultivating creativity, and pioneering pathways” while encapsulating the southern Utah region and community. Artist applications are now being accepted for the project.

Additionally, Trailblazer statues are now available to interested businesses. Annual Trailblazers, which will be placed in high-traffic areas of St. George, allow businesses to sponsor a bison for a year and have their business recognized on the statue. Annual Trailblazers are available for $5,000 a year. Purchased Trailblazers enable companies to place a custom-painted bison in front of their businesses and are available for a one-time commitment of $10,000. All sponsors will receive recognition on the Dixie State University Trailblazer Art in the City website and the walking map and app.

Those interested in sponsoring a bison have the opportunity to be the first to purchase a statue at the Athletic Excellence Dinner and Auction. An Annual Trailblazer will be available at the live auction and a Purchased Trailblazer will be available in the silent auction. The event is set to begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the Burns Arena, and tickets are $125 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Derek Dawes at dawes@utahtech.edu or 435-879-4295.

To learn more about Dixie State University Trailblazers Art in the City, contact DSU's Marketing & Communications Department at 435-879-4409 or umac@utahtech.edu or visit umac.utahtech.edu/art-in-the-city.