“PIGShibition” Raises Awareness for the Ozark Literacy Council

The “PIGShibition” project for the Ozark Literacy Council is a great way to help people in need while supporting the local arts scene at the same time.

It’s a community art project created to draw awareness to local literacy issues through two things that are popular around here: pigs and art.

“We knew that we couldn’t do anything else here but a pig here. We had to stay away from the Razorbacks, of course, because of licensing issues, but everybody loves a pig here in Northwest Arkansas,” said Wendy Poole of the Ozark Literacy Council.

Local organizations sponsor a pig, and local artists were selected to paint the pigs in themes that are representative of the cause.

A colorful way to raise awareness about a serious problem.

One out of every five Arkansans read below a fifth grade level.

The first pig went up at Arvest Bank in Downtown Fayetteville.

“It’s really good for the Ozark Literacy Council because they’ll be highlighting the importance of people reading and the number of people who can’t read. We think it’s exciting that people will be visiting twenty-five pigs all around Fayetteville,” said Marilyn Heifner, the Director of Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion.

Some of the artists selected are seasoned veterans.

Others are still students such as University of Arkansas drama major, Priscilla White.

“I think it’s really important for kids to put more into reading. So many people think it’s something you have to do as an assignment. It’s a lot more than that,” said White.

Rae Russell is putting the final touches on her pig that will be going up in the near future.

Her theme was all that makes Fayetteville special, from the historic old courthouse to the University of Arkansas.

“I tried to use an example of everything that is wonderful about Fayetteville. I put the courthouse, Old Main, and the stadiums. The community comes together for a wide variety of activities and that’s what I was trying capture,” said Russell.

Rae’s pig will be going up at the Clinton House Museum.

A total of twenty-five pigs will bring tourists and awareness to the Ozark Literacy Council.

If you’d like to get involved, sponsorships are available for companies who would like to support this worthy cause.

You’ll see a pig at Mermaids, Tyson Foods, Adventure Subaru, and Powerhouse Seafood Grill.

For more information about the Ozark Literacy Council’s project, click here.