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Buffalo Art Initiative

The Tooele City Downtown Buffalo Arts Initiative was organized by the Tooele City Downtown Alliance. Our mission is to restore, support, and promote economic prosperity in Tooele City.

We invite you to come walk through the Downtown area and visit each of our buffalo and see what Downtown has to offer. They are even better in person!


Interested in being a sponsor?


City Hall Buffalo Photo

Located at 
Tooele City Hall
90 North Main Street
Tooele, UT  84074 

THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY BIG STUFF TAXIDERMY.  

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY MAEKAYLA SHIRLEY ARTIST OF THE CHEROKEE NATION.   

2024-2025

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. 

 

Chamber of Commerce Buffalo Photo

Located at the
Tooele Chamber of Commerce
154 South Main Street
Tooele, UT  84074


THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY BRAEMAR CONSTRUCTION AND LOVELL DEVELOPMENT. 

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY JANA WADDOUPS.  

2023-2024

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. 

 

   

Buffalo Image

Located at the
Tooele Pioneer Museum

47 East Vine Street
Tooele, UT  84074

THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY THE ALBERT AND DOROTHY BOTTEMA FAMILY.

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY ROWE HARRISON.  

2023-2024
2024-2025

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.

  Buffalo Image

Located at
Fallen Sky Stone
15 North Main Street

Tooele, UT  84074

THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY THE LIFE’S WORTH LIVING FOUNDATION.

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY SCOTT SNARR.

2023-2024

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.   

     
Buffalo Image

Located at
Veterans Memorial Park
Corner of Main Street and Vine Street

Tooele, UT  84074

THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY BROKEN ARROW.

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY APRIL JORGENSON

2023-2024
2024-2025

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.  

 

Health Department Buffalo Photo

Located at the
Tooele County Health Department
151 North Main Street

Tooele, UT  84074

THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY MOUNTAIN WEST MEDICAL CENTER.

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY KARLEE BAWDEN

2023-2024
2024-2025

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. 

 

 

 

Jim's Buffalo Photo

Located at
Jim's Family Restaurant
281 North Main Street

Tooele, UT  84074

HIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY NIGH-TIME DONUTS AND JIM'S FAMILY RESTAURANT. 

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY REBECCA MANCHESTER.  

2023-2024

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.  

 

Coming Soon Image

Located at
Tooele, UT  84074

 

 

 

Merc Plaza Buffalo Photo

Located at the
Merc Plaza
28 North North Main Street
Tooele, UT  84074

THIS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY THE DERM SPA.  

THE ART WAS COMPLETED BY MARCUS MEDINA.  

2023-2024

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. 

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.  

 

Coming Soon Image

Located at the
Tooele Valley Museum and Historical Park
35 North Broadway Street
Tooele, UT  84074