Civic Lubbock, Inc., is inviting the public to attend a ribbon-cutting and reception on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. for the new public art installation, the Friendly Cowboy Western String Band. The sculptures, by artist B.C. Gilbert, are located at Mac Davis Lane and Avenue O (north of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center) in downtown Lubbock. A reception will be held immediately following the ribbon-cutting in the Terrace Suite of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
The four-piece Friendly Cowboy Western String Band was previously exhibited through the Public Display of Art temporary exhibition series with each sculpture individually displayed on state property in various locations throughout the City of Lubbock.
Gilbert found his inspiration in the poet and painter Jake Holster for his design and construction of The Friendly Cowboy Western String Band which is now reunited in one location. The band is comprised of the Amarillo Kid, the yellow fiddle player, Prairie Rose, the red bass player, Pinky, the pink guitar player, and Big Blue the Friendly Cowboy, the blue lead singer. Each sculpture measures 13’ tall, and weighs 1,000 – 1,200 lbs.
Gilbert’s first experiences in welding began in his dad’s welding shop, located off of Route 66 just outside of Amarillo, TX, where he became familiar with the materials and machines he now utilizes to create his lasting artwork. Gilbert received his Master of Fine Arts from Texas Tech University. Along with sculpture Gilbert also works in painting, print, and mixed-media. Gilbert currently resides in Wichita Falls, Texas.
