OSKALOOSA, IOWA — Oskaloosa High School Senior Chasity Richardson will be contributing her artistic talent to Think Iowa City’s (Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau) Herky on Parade 2024.

Herky on Parade is a public art project in the Iowa City/Coralville area where designers take 75, blank, 6’1″ Herky sculptures and adorn the Hawkeye mascot with unique designs created by artists from the region. Each Herky features the same pose, with a distinctly different look given to the statuette by different regional artists.

Richardson’s submission stood out among a pool of talented artists, earning her a spot in this prestigious community art event. The blank Herky sculptures are giant canvases she will customize with her theme. All 75 Herkys will be displayed throughout Johnson County from May to September 2024, drawing people to the area.

Richardson’s journey with Herky on Parade began with a straightforward application process where she drew her proposed design.

“I’m envisioning Herky as a passionate fan, donning Hawkeye overalls and paint on his face—capturing the essence of a gameday enthusiast,” she says. “The idea came to me after thorough research to ensure originality. Watching games helped the concept dawn on me as an obvious choice, simplicity is key” she says.

Richardson will be working on her Herky masterpiece in the high school art classroom as part of the OHS Entrepreneurship in the Arts class. Although the exact timeline for receiving her Herky back to Oskaloosa is pending, she aims to complete the project in approximately a month.

“I don’t think it should take any longer than that—I just need to get the materials,” she said. “I feel very honored to do this. I’m excited to get started and proud to contribute to this unique project.”

Richardson is undecided about her post-high school plans, but is focused on securing a job after she graduates in February.

“Because Herky is fiberglass, I’ll be using enamel paint that I’ve never used before,” Richardson says. “It’s a new experience for me, and I’m grateful to have [Art Teacher] Mr. Kargol there to teach me.”

The Herky on Parade consortium is responsible for organizing this event. The Herkys are fiberglass sculptures that weigh approximately 50 pounds each and will be permanently affixed to a 3′ x 5′ concrete slab. All proceeds from the Herky on Parade auction, which takes place after the display period, are directed to a local charitable organization.