(Seguin) – Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to Flora the next time you head down to the newly expanded bike and hike trail just south of the Seguin Public Library.
Flora is the fifth and newest Squirrel to be unveiled as part of the city of Seguin’s Squirrel Trail Program. One by one, the larger-than-life concrete squirrel structures are being installed at various locations around town.
Community members and businesses have been sponsoring the squirrels and then hand selecting their favorite artist to paint them.
Those sponsoring Flora is former Seguin Mayor Don Keil and wife Marty.
Don says the couple didn’t have to think twice about signing up for the program.
“Marty and I said, ‘we are going to do that.’ So, I think we were probably the first five people to do this because it is such a unique idea and we’ve seen it with great success at a lot of towns around in Texas with their famous icons and what more famous icon would be than the squirrel and also, we thought this would be the perfect place in this park. We thought there would be some great natural Texas amenities to this and nothing is more Texas than the bluebonnet and nobody can portray bluebonnets than our world-famous artist Kitty Keller. So, we got her to do this for us and she did a wonderful job,” said Keil.
Marty also agreed that Artist Kitty Keller was the best person for the job. She says Flora turned out happy, colorful, and bright.
“First of all, Kitty, we have a relationship that goes back over 40 years and so when I thought of an artist for this, I thought it has to be Kitty because she came out with that original artwork of the wildflowers that a lot of people don’t know about because we have so many new people in Seguin now. But those of us who have been around will remember it so well and how popular it was. Also, as a member of the Arts Commission when this was going on — I’m no longer on the board — but when I was, I thought all of the opportunities that it brings to Seguin – squirrel hunts, scavenger hunts, a squirrel trail, all kinds of artwork that can be sold with Seguin’s name on it internationally and nationally to bring people to our town,” said Marty.
Now although it took her a little longer to complete, Keller is thankful for the opportunity and hopes it brings enjoyment to others.
“I’ve been known for painting these wildflowers for over 36 years. I’ve been in business for that long and I started with the wildflower painting on t-shirts so it’s something I enjoy doing. In a way, I’m kind of known for that and so I thought it was probably the best thing to put on the squirrel for me and I think it turned out bright and colorful and it’s a happy squirrel and I was grateful for the Keils’ to have asked me to do it. They were very patient. Ten months later, I finally got finished,” said Keller.
With the completion of the fifth squirrel, Kyle Kramm, Seguin Main Street and CVB director, says 15 more remain on the list and are currently in the works. The opportunity to sponsor a squirrel is still available. The cost is $2,500 per squirrel. Each sponsor is also responsible for the cost of the artist.
Those interested in participating in the program are asked to contact the Seguin Main Street Program at 830-401-2448.
Other squirrel locations include the Seguin Public Library, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Schertz Bank & Trust and Seguin’s Central Park.
