Buffalo Art Initiative
The Tooele City Historic Main Street Buffalo Arts Initiative was organized in 2022. Our mission is to restore, support, and promote economic prosperity in Tooele City.We invite you to come walk through the Historic Main Street area and visit each of our buffalo and see what the area has to offer. They are even better in person!
Interested in learning more or becoming a sponsor? Read through our Buffalo Pamphlet or email clarissap@tooelecity.gov.
Future Buffalo
Location: 128 West Vine Street, Tooele (Tooele City Library)
Sponsor: Chartway Credit Union
Artist:
Years Sponsored:
Present Buffalo
Location: 35 North Broadway, Tooele (Tooele Valley Museum & Historical Park)
Sponsor: Switchpoint
Artist: Marcus Medina
Years Sponsored: 2024-2025
Description: In the design of the buffalo, each half symbolizes a part of a larger story. One side features interwoven branches that emerge from the dark hues at the buffalo’s hooves and stretch upward toward the warmth of vibrant oranges and yellows. As these branches reach the light, flowers begin to bloom, symbolizing the idea that by coming together through difficult times, we can thrive and grow as a community. On the opposite side is a depiction of Harris Community Village, a facility offering essential resources to those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. In this image, the Harris Community Village stands strong and independent, illuminated by the bright colors of a sunrise—a symbol of new beginnings and hope. This reflects Switchpoint’s mission to empower individuals and help them regain self-sufficiency. This buffalo is a powerful representation of Switchpoint’s message. This buffalo was the buffalo that was originally in front of the Merc Plaza that was hit by the semi-truck during the accident in November of 2023. Though it was damaged in an unfortunate accident, through hard work and dedication, it has been carefully restored and transformed into something even more beautiful. Just like the buffalo, we can overcome adversity and emerge stronger, reminding us that with community support, resilience, and effort, there’s always the potential for renewal and growth. May we continue to unite as a community to uplift and empower those in need.
Location: 90 North Main Street, Tooele (City Hall)
Sponsor: Big Stuff Taxidermy
Artist: Maekayla Shirley Artist of the Cherokee Nation
Years Sponsored: 2024-2025
Description: The design was inspired by the local Tooele City business Big Stuff Taxidermy. It is meant to show respect for the buffalo and highlight its strength and beauty. The symbolism and importance of the buffalo to the people of Tooele is rich and deep. The different shades and hues of color that are represented in the design of this buffalo represents all of the people of Tooele with their diverse history and beliefs. The colors of the design culminate in the likeness of a brown buffalo representing unity, cooperation, and divine purpose.
NEW Location: 28 North Main Street, Tooele (Merc Plaza)
Sponsor: Nat-su Healthcare
Artist: Josh Easling
Years Sponsored: 2024-2025
Description: In the spirit of recovery, this buffalo represents beauty along side struggle. The promise of healing from dark places to emerge into a place of light. The style is modern with aspects of traditional teachings, heavy dark paint next to vivid color. Shadow and light working together to create balance. This piece speak to the human spirit. The parts of ourselves we hide, and the parts we often wish we could show but can't in fear of judgement or ridicule. Knowing whole heartedly that the hand we reach out to for help won't let go. It takes true strength to accept it. May our past not dictate the optimism and promises of a beautiful future. May the Red Road we walk, be paved in Truth, Hope, Kindness, and Connection. Today we can choose whether it's one day...or day one.
Location: 281 North Main Street, Tooele (Jim's Family Restaurant)
Sponsor: Nigh-Time Donuts and Jim's Family Restaurant
Artist: Rebecca Manchester
Years Sponsored: 2024-2025
Description: The design of the interlocking and overlapping branches is meant to convey the connection Tooele City has as a community. The different fruits and flowers represent the diversity and growth of our City.
Location: 154 South Main Street, Tooele (Tooele County Chamber of Commerce)
Sponsor: Braemar Construction and Lovell Development
Artist: Jana Waddoups
Years Sponsored: 2024-2025
Description: The design was inspired by the artist's son who plays on the Tooele High School Football Team. It is meant to show the love and pride citizens have for Tooele through the portrayal of many classic features of Tooele like the Tooele Oquirrh Mountain ridge with the T and the starry sky.
Location: Corner of Main and Vine (Veterans Memorial Park)
Sponsor: Broken Arrow
Artist: April Jorgenson
Years Sponsored: 2023-2024, 2024-2025
Description: The design is meant to represent peace, healing, and remembrance. The pilgrim, Native American, and military aspects, as well as the forget me nots, are meant to remind us of where we came from and encourage us to never forget. The alchemical and geometric signs represent the elements that create life, and the sun is a symbol to bring light and joy to the future of our community.
Location: 151 North Main Street, Tooele (Tooele County Health Department)
Sponsor: Mountain West Medical Center
Artist: Karlee Bawden
Years Sponsored: 2023-2024, 2024-2025
Description: The design celebrates the inclusion and diversity in our community as it continues to grow. Coming together as diverse people has been integral to Mountain West Medical Center’s progression. They are improving medical practices and growing closer as a county to create a harmonious, and healthy community.
Location: 47 East Vine Street, Tooele (Tooele Pioneer Museum)
Sponsor: The Albert and Dorothy Bottema Family
Artist: Rowe Harrison
Years Sponsored: 2023-2024, 2024-2025
Description: The design is meant to honor the legend of the White Buffalo. The Native American legend includes a white buffalo roaming the valley prior to the coming of the early pioneer settlers. It is also the mascot of the Bottema Family’s alma mater Tooele High School. Representing the importance of the Tooele mining industry, the buffalo is placed on Vine Street where the Tooele Valley Railroad operated between Warner Station and the Smelter at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains. As the railroad grade was constructed, the wooden trestle was built to span the Middle Canyon ravine. The block T on the mountain was originally installed in 1915 by the junior and senior classes from Tooele's first high school.
Location: 15 North Main Street, Tooele (Fallen Sky Stone)
Sponsor: The Life's Worth Living Foundation
Artist: Scott Snarr
Years Sponsored: 2023-2024, 2024-2025
Description: The design is meant to encourage conversations that will help those who struggle with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues. It is important for people to realize it is okay to not be okay, and it is okay to reach out when you need a listening ear. Now is the time to end the stigma, and we can begin by starting the conversation.
Past Buffalo
Location: 28 North North Main Street, Tooele (Merc Plaza)
Sponsor: The Derm Spa
Artist: Marcus Medina
Years Sponsored: 2023-2024
Description: The design represents self and community care, because love begins and ends with you. When we take time for ourselves, we are better prepared to help those around us. When we can spend some time doing the things we love and pampering ourselves, that self-care goes beyond us as individuals and moves outward towards bettering the community.
Notes: Due to the unfortunate semi-truck accident that took place on November 3, 2023, the buffalo located at the Merc Plaza (28 North Main Street, Tooele) was severely damaged. This downtown buffalo was generously sponsored by The Derm Spa and painted by Marcus Medina. We are currently attempting to repair the damage so that this beautiful buffalo can return to its place of honor. We are so grateful to everyone who supports this program and our amazing City.