The Sheep Family created by esteemed artist Chris Navarro and donated to the City of Rawlins by the daughters of Vern and Della Vivion was installed in front of the Historic Depot in downtown Rawlins earlier this week. Photo by Cali O'Hare/Bigfoot 99.
The late Vern and Della Vivion were prominent ranchers, business owners, and community leaders. Their commitment to community affairs, the arts and quiet philanthropy were honored this week during a ceremony where a bronze sculpture was unveiled at Depot Park. Cali O’Hare has the story.
Pictured above: The Sheep Family created by esteemed artist Chris Navarro and donated to the City of Rawlins by the daughters of Vern and Della Vivion was installed in front of the Historic Depot in downtown Rawlins earlier this week. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Kristy Thompson and Mary Vivion-Withrow speak about their parents, Vern and Della Vivion, during a ribbon cutting held Tuesday evening in Rawlins with members of the governing body. Photo by Cali O’Hare/BIgfoot 99.
The plaque reads, “In Loving Memory of Vern and Della Vivion whose lifelong dedication to the sheep industry and to the arts, was integral to the preservation of Wyoming’s unique heritage. Their tireless service to Carbon County and to the State of Wyoming is a reflection of their deep and abiding love for this beautifully rugged part of the American West and its rich history; a history which must endure even as we look to new horizons.” Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Sisters Kristy Thompson (left) and Mary Vivion-Withro (right) cut the red ribbon signifying their donation of the Sheep Family to the City of Rawlins, as members of the City Council watch. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Close up detail of the bronze, life-size ewe sculpted by world-renowned artist Chris Navarro. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Sisters Mary Vivion-Withrow (left) and Kristy Thompson pose for a photo near the Sheep Family they donated to the City of Rawlins in honor of their late parents, Vern and Della Vivion. The sisters describe their parents as “lifetime advocates of the sheep industry.” Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Close up detail of one of two bronze, life-size lambs sculpted by world-renowned artist Chris Navarro. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Kristy Thompson and Mary Vivion-Withrow speak about their parents, Vern and Della Vivion, during a ribbon cutting held Tuesday evening in Rawlins with members of the governing body. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
The Sheep Family created by esteemed artist Chris Navarro and donated to the City of Rawlins by the daughters of Vern and Della Vivion was installed in front of the Historic Depot in downtown Rawlins earlier this week. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
The Sheep Family created by Chris Navarro was installed in front of the Historic Depot earlier this week; a donation to the City of Rawlins from the children of Vern and Della Vivion. Navarro has been sculpting professionally since 1986 and is world-renowned for his extraordinary life-size monumental sculptures. His work sells for tens-of-thousands of dollars. The Sheep Family is a permanent installation in Rawlins. The ewe and her two lambs can be viewed at 420 W. Front Street in downtown Rawlins. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
More photos of the Sheep Family, taken by the artist, can be viewed here
