KOWHAUS

The Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts has partnered with the Tannery Arts Center to create the first large-scale art installation at the future arts campus site since the leather tannery closed in fall of 2001.

Santa Cruz Artist and SCICA Artistic Director Kirby Scudder is orchestrating the project that will place 12 giant cows, made of wood and paper-mache, around the eight and one half acre property, symbolizing the transition from a working tannery to a multi-use arts center.

The cows range in size up to 15’ tall and 25’ long and will be scattered around the property, mostly at the main courtyard and entryway, visible from the two main hi-ways intersecting just south of the property.

“Kirby really understands the power of scale” says Santa Cruz City Councilperson and project advocate Emily Reilly, “when you actually see the cows up against the buildings it’s pretty awesome.”