Lions Reign for Education and the Arts

A 2004 public art project "The Pride Of Oshkosh" brought fun, adventure and excitement to the Oshkosh Community throughout the summmer. Thirty three fiberglass lions were created and local artists were given the opportunity to decorate them. Each replica was transformed into a unique piece of art. The lions were patterened after Harris; one of the bronze lions that adorns the front of the public library. The lions were placed throughout the city and local residents and visitors mingled with the lions all summer long. This project was modeled after similiar projects across the country.

The lions were sold at three separate events and brought in a total of $414,803 for the Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, The UWO Foundation and the Paine Art Center. Twenty lions were auctioned at The Grand Opera House on September 25, 2004. The "Mane Event" hosted by Chancellor Richard Wells with special guest auctioneer, Stuart Whitehurst from the Antiques Roadshow brought in $145,000. Days later nine were placed up for bid on the Internet at www.ebay.com, raising $9,625. The final four award winning lions were for sale at "The Lion Ball"; a black-tie gala benefit held at The Paine Art Center and Gardens. The October 16 ball brought in a total of $36,000. The remaining proceeds came from sponsorships and in-kind donations. Every dollar raised by the sale of the lions went to support the arts and education in Oshkosh.