🐾Mascot: "Artistic Dogs"

If you're ever in Macomb, Illinois, you might notice a bunch of cute and artistic dogs popping up around town and on the Western Illinois University (WIU) campus. These aren't just any dogs; they're statues of "Rocky" the bulldog, WIU's beloved mascot. As part of a public art project that started in 2013, these dog statues, officially named Col. Rock III, have become a local favorite. The project, led by Art Professor Bill Howard, has grown from 14 statues to 37, thanks to community support and sponsorships. These artistic dogs aren't just adorable; they also help raise money for art student scholarships 🏆. So, next time you're in the area, keep an eye out for these artistic canine friends 🦴