Bright red pig, no more! Garden City’s lovable (and sometimes controversial) Willy the Pig has gotten a makeover!
Willy, who is located in downtown Garden City, is named after Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web and was erected nine years ago after being commissioned by the Sauve Art Foundation.
Prior to this makeover, Hometown Life reports Willy was bright red and often used as the face of local events such as the Red Pig Road Rally, the Bacon Run and the Red Pig Revolt.
Wanting a softer, more delicate look, Garden City’s Downtown Development Authority commissioned artists Peggy Hernandez and Adelle Fant who painted Willy yellow and covered her with a mix of sun prints, floral prints and stars —reminiscent of children’s face painting.
This fun and vibrant addition is meant to give Willy more personality and less of a harsh contrast to the city.
The public has a love-hate relationship with the pig, which came to a head when the original Willy was stolen in 2012 and later found damaged, but with yearly paint jobs, the DDA hopes more people will talk about her in a positive light.
You can find Willy at the northwest corner of Ford and Middlebelt roads. So, go check her out, because whether you like her or not she’s here to stay.
