Mayor Collins celebrates one year anniversary of Capitol Avenue Bronze Commission

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - One year ago, Tuesday... Mayor Patrick Collins began a project he envisioned would take three years to complete.

That project was to secure enough donors to place 20 bronze statues on Capitol Avenue in downtown Cheyenne.

He appointed five people to help him do just that, called the ‘Capitol Avenue Bronze Commission’.

Tuesday, Mayor Collins held a press conference to recognize the first anniversary of the commission, and celebrate the not 20, but now well over 60 bronze statues that will be brought to life.

In his speech at the corner of 17th and Carey, Mayor Collins said “We have historic figures, we have industries, we have beautiful animals and the wildlife, and they’re going to tell the importance of Cheyenne. And the thing I really love is they’re going to tell that story forever... We’re not going to lose these stories over time.”

In attendance, were community members of Cheyenne, Commission Members, the Mayor, artists, and designers.

When Dixie Roberts, a member of the committee appointed by Mayor Collins, took the podium, she thanked the donors that made these memories possible. “And watching them as their statues go up, I don’t think there’s been a time when these statues were set up that somebody didn’t shed a tear because they’re thinking about who they’re remembering, how they’re remembering and how long people will see that contribution to this community.”

The statues will also have QR codes so that people can educate themselves about Cheyenne, it’s history, it’s people, and their stories, all forever immortalized in bronze.

Between 2010 and this time last year, 5 statues were put up.

As of today... There are 33 on the ground, 24 in the process of being built, and approximately 20 more in the planning stages, according to Harvey Deselms, curator of the project.

Each statue funded by an organization, business, family, or even just one single person.

These statues can now be found on Capitol Avenue, Carey Avenue, and 17th Street in downtown Cheyenne.

You can learn more about the statues, and the commission here.

But Mayor Collins says the best way to learn about them, is to see them for yourself.

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