Bringing Arts to a Community

In 1999 I entered a logo contest, and my image was selected for a new organization - Okeechobee Main Street. This began my volunteering position for this non-profit organization as the design chair. In 2005, we discovered that art was a strong factor in maintaining a healthy main street and I was asked to be chair of the newly formed Arts & Culture Committee to developed art programs and projects in Okeechobee, FL. Through our efforts we became the leader of the arts in Okeechobee County. In 2018, the Board of Okeechobee County Commissioners, designated Okeechobee Main Street as a Florida Local Art Agency for Okeechobee County, and I continued my role,as the Arts and Culture Alliance Director. For over 20 years, I dedicated myself to the arts for the community.

We brought to Okeechobee, an underserved rural arts community, an abundance of art programs and projects. With the help of the community, local government and grants, we provided well-rounded art experiences that focus on the lifestyle and culture of Okeechobee County.

In 2023, I moved to Venice, Florida – but I remain Arts & Culture Alliance Director Emeritus, helping with advice when needed. It was extremely rewarding volunteering for Okeechobee Main Street and the Okeechobee community.

(Pictured above): Bridgette with award winning artist J. Michael Wilson from Salt Lake City, Utah, along side the Brahma Bull, one of ten bronze sculptures of the Cattle Drive Sculpture project.

Cattle Drive Sculpture Project

The Cattle Drive Sculpture was the last project I completed before moving to Venice, FL. This project started in 2018 and was installed August 2022.  

This public art project became a community project - with funding from small and large ranches, corporations and private citizens.  The City of Okeechobee, Okeechobee County, and the Frank Altobello Foundation funded the infrastructure and landscaping of the park.

The installation is a representation of over 200 ranches in Okeechobee County. The sculptures are based on the Okeechobee County cattle industry of the 1950s and 1960s. 

Artist J. Michael Wilson from Lehi, Utah was commissioned to do the impressive project that consists of 10 sculptures: cowboy riding a horse, cowboy at a fence, brahma bull, 5 head of cattle, calf, and cow dog. All the pieces are designed to give a sense of movement. When walking into the park, it appears as if the cattle are walking on a wide-open ranch.

The installation is located in downtown Okeechobee in Flagler Park along State Road 70.

Cattle Drive Sculpture photos by Sharon Jones Photography, Okeechobee, FL