(Seguin) – The city of Seguin continues to welcome squirrels out of their nest one by one. The latest in a series of larger-than-life, fiber-glass squirrels has yet again made its debut, this time outside the Seguin Public Library. Since February, the city has begun to unveil the concrete squirrel sculptures as part of the Seguin Squirrel Trail Program. Each sponsored squirrel is painted by a local artist and then permanently mounted somewhere throughout the community.
Commissioning the painting of the city’s third squirrel is local couple Chris and Jim Dyess. Chris says the couple didn’t hesitate to sponsor a squirrel. She says the couple was just excited that the city was launching the unique program – a program like others across the country.
“We’ve seen public art in small towns around the United States and it’s really cool. It really ties a town together, so we were thrilled when Seguin did the squirrel thing. We’ve seen that when we were in Houston. It was a lot of fun for people to go around and see the different cows. It’s just a fun thing for people to be able to do in the community and to promote art that people can touch,” said Chris.
Chris’ husband Jim says they also didn’t hesitate in picking a location to plant their squirrel.
“We picked the library because we do some of our programs here with the library and we really think that Seguin has got one of the best libraries maybe in the state especially for a town of its size. So it was so impressive when Seguin decided that it was important enough for the community to have a quality first class library,” said Jim.
In February, the city welcomed the unveiling of its first Squirrel named Joy outside the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church located on Dolle Avenue. The second squirrel was welcomed just last week by Schertz Bank & Trust located along State Highway 123 Bypass. That squirrel is named Saver.
As for this squirrel, well Jim says it too has a special name, Curiosity.
“So, when we were considering names because we had recognized that other squirrels had names, we looked around for of photos of squirrels and we find squirrels poking their heads around a tree and kind of curiously looking at you and then we realized that our kids are all naturally curious. So sometimes us adults reduce that curiosity a little bit instead of encouraging it,” said Jim.
Excited to have Curiosity placed outside along the sidewalk is Library Jacki Gross Not only does it have details of favorite spots in Seguin, but it also pays tribute to a late member of the Seguin Art League and the contributions of other community members. She says the details alone offer an archive of information.
“Actually, I’m thrilled. I didn’t know the building was going to be on there. We were just excited that they wanted to put a squirrel here so it’s lovely and gosh, we are just honored that we got to be the recipient of this Curiosity,” said Gross.
Both Chris and Jim say they don’t represent a particular group, church or business but simply a pair of residents who wanted to support their community.
“That’s kind of us. In fact, we had considered getting a group together to help with the cost because some people need a little more help with gathering that money together. But you can have a neighborhood do it. You can have a club – if everyone chips in $50 or $100 and you can be proud of whatever your thing is (squirrel design),” said Chris.
Local artist Liz Romero is responsible for Curiosity’s creative colors.
The Seguin Squirrel Trail Program has at least 11 more squirrels to be unveiled. Seguin Main Street officials say some are on their way for debut while others are still in the preliminary design phase. Those wishing to sponsor a squirrel are asked to contact the Main Street office for cost and other details.