The drive through Old Town Orcutt is more colorful than usual.
Wooden cow cutouts, each uniquely painted, have stopped to graze outside local shops and property along Clark Avenue.
Doug Dougherty’s favorite is the cow that showed up at his new community center project site.
“I was driving down the road one day and all of a sudden I saw this giant smiley faced cow right up against our sign announcing our project coming to town so at least I know the mystery artist is excited about the new Oasis Center,” Dougherty said.
Locals say the first cows showed up last December. Since then, more cows have been popping up around the small town.
“All of a sudden these cows started to show up here in town and they are really well done,” Dougherty said. “I guess it’s called pop-up art.”
The artist is anonymous and reportedly wants to remain that way.
“It’s a complete mystery. Whoever it is or whoever they are, nobody has been able to figure it out yet,” Dougherty said. “I think, pop-up art, that’s the beauty of it.”
A pair of patriotic cows popped up on Orcutt resident Steve Lebard’s property on Clark Avenue.
“I like it! I think it’s a good idea for Old Orcutt,” Lebard said. “I think anything that brings uniqueness to this town is really cool.”
Residents say the cows reflect Orcutt’s humble roots and they’re excited to see more of the colorful herd.
“Thank you, whoever the mystery cow artist is, thank you,” Dougherty said. “This has been a lot of fun. Let’s keep it going.”
Keep your eyes peeled because sources say new cows will go on display this week.
One of the first cows, a little calf, was unfortunately stolen. Residents say they hope whoever took it will do the right thing and return it.
The mystery artist is reportedly working with the Orcutt Children’s Art Foundation and may have something to show off at its fundraiser this Saturday.
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