A Beloved Landmark Returns to the Spotlight
Georgia Keeffee, the now locally legendary cow statue named with a punny nod to American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, just got her first makeover in nearly two decades. The refreshed look was unveiled as part of the city’s annual Mural Fest, which kicked off this week with artists from all over splashing color across the town’s downtown district.
It’s not just any paint job either. This is art-meets-community magic, where brushstrokes feel like memories.
Barbara Behling, tourism director for Sun Prairie, called it an “intersection” — not just of paint and wall, but of people, place, and purpose. “Public art humanizes a built environment and invigorates public spaces,” she said. You could see that happening in real-time as onlookers passed by Georgia, snapping photos and smiling like they’d just spotted an old friend.
Mural Fest Turns Sun Prairie Into an Outdoor Gallery
Every year, Mural Fest transforms downtown Sun Prairie into a living, breathing art gallery. It’s not some stiff, pretentious event, either. It’s bright. Loud. Playful. Families come out. Teenagers take selfies. Coffee shops overflow. It’s street-level creativity.
This year, nine artists — a mix of local and national names — are contributing giant murals. And we’re not talking about dainty doodles. These things are massive. They climb buildings and stretch across alleyways.
The event runs through June 26, with the grand mural reveal scheduled that evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Expect music. Expect food trucks. Expect color — lots of it.
And yeah, expect Georgia Keeffee to steal the show.
Georgia Keeffee’s New Look: Nostalgia, Meet Fresh Paint
Well, the bones are still the same. Georgia still stands proud, representing both the dairy roots and the whimsical spirit of Sun Prairie. But she’s now wearing new colors, new textures, and frankly, a lot more personality. Her new design blends bold floral patterns with surrealist elements — a wink to her namesake, Georgia O’Keeffe.
One passerby was overheard saying, “She looks like she just came out of a dream sequence.” Another called her “fierce.” Take your pick.
It’s the first update the statue has had in 18 years. And let’s face it — she deserved it.
Art, Business, and Civic Pride Collide
You might wonder, why does a painted cow matter so much?
Because she represents more than just public art. She’s a local icon. A symbol of Sun Prairie’s quirk and charm. And honestly, she pulls a crowd. Local businesses say they see upticks in foot traffic during Mural Fest, especially from visitors coming just to snap a pic with Georgia.
For shopkeepers, that’s real impact. And for the city? It’s a culture win.
Here’s a quick look at how the city benefits from Mural Fest and Georgia Keeffee’s presence:
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Foot Traffic | Increases by 25–30% during event week |
| Local Sales | Average boost of 15–18% across businesses |
| Social Media Reach | Event posts saw over 40,000 interactions |
| Community Involvement | Dozens of volunteers support installations |
Small numbers on paper. Big stories behind them.
The Artists Behind the Magic
This year’s Mural Fest lineup features a unique mix of seasoned muralists and emerging talents.
Some flew in from cities like Chicago and New Orleans. Others came from just down the street. But all of them had one thing in common — they weren’t afraid to go bold. We’re talking swirling rainbows, oversized eyes, and abstract geometry that makes you pause and think, “Whoa.”
One artist, Maya R., said it best: “Painting walls feels like writing love letters to the city.”
And somewhere in the middle of all that? Georgia Keeffee, watching over it all with fresh paint and a knowing smile.
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9 artists involved in Mural Fest 2025
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Over 15,000 square feet of wall space painted
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Georgia Keeffee was repainted by a collaborative duo: one local, one guest
You couldn’t script it better.
Locals Weigh In: “She’s Ours”
Georgia’s new look isn’t just about the paint — it’s about the feelings she evokes.
Locals have taken to social media and coffee shop chatter alike to share stories. Some remember the first time they saw her as kids. Others brought their children to see the new version, recreating photos from years past.
“I got a pic with her when I was 7,” said local resident Dylan Marks, now 23. “And I just brought my niece to see her today. Full circle.”
One sentence. One memory. That’s the kind of connection no billboard can buy.
