Odessa is home to some unique and offbeat art pieces. Many of these pieces are open to the public, allowing those who live there and who come to visit to enjoy the artworks and experience the cultural atmosphere. Take a look at a few of the quirkiest pieces on display in Odessa. 
Stonehenge Replica
On the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a replica of Stonehenge. It was built in 2004 by two stoneworkers. The university commissioned the construction of the art piece as a teaching tool for students taking history courses that covered the original Stonehenge, which dates back to sometime between 3,000 and 2,000 B.C. Although archeologists believe that the original Stonehenge took thousands of years to construct, the replica in Odessa went up in six weeks.
This art piece is made of limestone slabs that measure up to 19 feet in height and weigh 20 tons each. It is scaled to about 70% of the original size, although the horizontal sizing is precisely accurate. Each block sits in a circle of red Texas gravel and the Heel Stone, which marks the summer solstice, is actually located across the street. Although it’s not completely identical to the original, it’s still a fascinating site to visit when you’re in Odessa.
Jamboree Jackrabbits
The city of Odessa features jackrabbit sculptures located in various places. You’ll spot them peeking around corners and sitting on grassy areas in parks. In fact, there are 37 different sculptures placed all around the city, and visitors often enjoy searching for each one. In 2004, city officials launched a plan to increase tourism to the area and commissioned the creation of a public art project. Painters expressed their creativity and showcased their impressions of the city by painting jackrabbit sculptures that measure six feet in height.
Each of the decorated animals represents the icon of the township, which dates back to 1932. During the annual rodeo in Odessa, the first Jackrabbit Roping Contest took place, resulting in the jackrabbit becoming the official animal of the city. It represents the quick-footed, adaptable nature of the residents of Odessa. Although the contest no longer takes place, locals still enjoy the representation of themselves in the jumping animal.
West Texas Landscape
In 2018, a new sculpture was installed on the Texas Tech University Health Science Center Campus. This large sculpture was done by Albert Paley, who hails from Rochester, New York. The executive director of Odessa Arts stated that 1% of the construction costs of a building on the campus is put toward a new piece of art. This particular piece represents the landscape of the area, featuring flat, stark land, flowing shapes that personify the wind, and taller components that represent the days of the sun. It measures 50 feet in length and 21 feet in height and is located in front of the Permian Basin Academic Facility.
If you’re interested in experiencing the art and culture of the city of Odessa, check out these unique art pieces. Each has its own fascinating story and represents something about the area.
Image via Pixabay.com by Torsymedia
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