CowParade facts for kids
CowParade is a super cool international art show that happens in big cities all over the world! Imagine lots of cow statues, but not just any cows. These cows are made of a strong material called fiberglass. Local artists get to paint and decorate them with amazing designs.
These colorful cow sculptures are then placed all around the city. You might see them in busy train stations, on popular streets, or in pretty parks. Each cow often has special artwork that shows off the city's culture, daily life, or other fun ideas.
After the art show, which can last for several months, the cow statues are sold at an auction. The money raised from selling them goes to help different charities. It's a great way to enjoy art and help others at the same time!
There are a few different cow shapes, but three main ones are used most often. A talented sculptor from Switzerland named Pascal Knapp created these popular cow designs. He made the standing, lying, and grazing cow shapes especially for CowParade events.
Contents
History of CowParade
How the CowParade Idea Started
The idea for CowParade actually began in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1998. An art director named Walter Knapp came up with the concept. But the very first time a similar idea was tried was in the same city back in 1986. That year, lions, which are a symbol of Zurich, were painted and displayed all over the city.
Bringing Cows to the United States
The fun "cow parade" idea then traveled to the United States. In 1999, a businessman from Chicago named Peter Hanig organized an event there called Cows on Parade. It was a huge hit!
The success of the Chicago event inspired many other cities to host their own similar projects. These events helped raise money for good causes. Other cities have even used different animals for their public art projects, decorating fiberglass sculptures and putting them on display.
Images for kids
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Globe in TelAviv, A Gateway to the World, 2007
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Two Buddy Bears at Kurfürstendamm 21, Berlin
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Cattlyst of the West by Irene Gallagher from Denver's cow parade, 2006
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Vaca Fileteada from Buenos Aires`s cow parade, 2006
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A cow at Revolucion Avenue, from Tijuana CowParade 2008
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Vacalero cow, in Paseo de los Heroes, from Tijuana CowParade 2008.
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2006 Edinburgh Cow Parade, Moules on the Waterfront
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Cow from CowParade in Madrid, 2009.
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