“Sherlock Hound” by James O’Haver

By KATIE JOHNSON
katie@offthewater.com

St. Joseph has gone to the dogs — and they have become quite the tourist attraction.
The city kicked off its annual community art project May 21 with a theme focused on man’s best friend. Designed by local artists, 34 painted dog sculptures have been erected throughout downtown, including “Robodog,” “Bad to the Bone,” “King Tut the Mutt” and “Dyno-Mutt.” From a wiener dog dressed in a corn outfit (Ryan and Heidi Schmaltz at Dial 150) to a Sherlock Holmes dog (by James O’Haver at St. Joseph Improvement), these mutts really are works of art.
The art project has had a different theme each of its six years; past themes have included carousel horses, bears, cars, boats and safari. The St. Joseph Home Improvement Association provided most of the funding for the dogs.
“This project really is structured to bring people in to give them something to look at, and then go into the stores that are available,” explained Jill Scott, program strategist for Perry Ballard Inc., the St. Joseph-based advertising and marketing firm assisting the city with the project.
Scott said the project begins each fall. Molds are chosen and the city advertises for artists. Eighty-four artists applied this year for the 34 slots.
“The project has built up a following,” Scott said. “Each artist upon their application has to submit proposals of their design. Each figure requests sponsorship.” Each sculpture requires a $300 sponsorship, which covers the cost of the artists’ materials. Once the artists knows who their sponsors will be, they tailor them to those organizations.
The project has received a “wonderful reception,” Scott said. People can often be seen taking photos next to the dogs; kids will even sit on them or hug them.
“We do find that with this project it becomes a very interactive project, even though it isn’t meant to be,” Scott said. “It’s great for the local residents and visitors as well.
“Choosing dogs was kind of a no-brainer in a way, and this community loves their canine friends,” she said. “Really, it’s all about the retailers. We want to bring more business in for them.”
Hot Diggity Dogs wraps up Oct. 1.
Want to make one of these pooches your own? The Hot Diggity Dogs Auction will be held Sept. 11 following Animal Aid of Southwest Michigan’s annual Mutt March on Lake Boulevard. Purchased dogs will be available to bring home beginning Oct. 1.
For a map and information about each sculpture, go to www.visithotdiggitydogs.com or facebook.com/stjoepublicart. Dial (269) 408-3053 on your cell phone and enter dogs’ numbers to hear from the artists.