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See Melissa in action!
(MSY Art Projects)
Photos by Theresa Doyle-Nelson
March 12, 2025
Pipe Creek artist selected for the 2025 CowParade
By Theresa Doyle-Nelson
The Bandera Prophet
Melissa Sutherland, of Pipe Creek, has been chosen from many applicants to decorate a full-size fiberglass cow for the 2025 CowParade in San Antonio.
This large-as-life cow, titled Blue Meauuuu, nearly takes up Sutherland’s entire studio, but in a joyful way. Her inspiration: to paint her cow blue with countless white doodles, swirls, curly-cues, bluebonnets, hearts, stars, an Alamo design, and other San Antonio themes.
At present, many of the white doodles and designs are chalked onto Blue Meauuuu, giving Sutherland the opportunity to tweak and revise as inspired. Once she settles on her final ornamentation, she will apply white paint over the chalk. A true artist, Sutherland’s spark and muse evolve as her plan comes to life.
The cow—and 74 other painted cows—will be placed in various locations throughout San Antonio this summer. In the fall of 2025, the 75 cows will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation.
CowParade Fun Facts
This large-as-life cow, titled Blue Meauuuu, nearly takes up Sutherland’s entire studio, but in a joyful way. Her inspiration: to paint her cow blue with countless white doodles, swirls, curly-cues, bluebonnets, hearts, stars, an Alamo design, and other San Antonio themes.
At present, many of the white doodles and designs are chalked onto Blue Meauuuu, giving Sutherland the opportunity to tweak and revise as inspired. Once she settles on her final ornamentation, she will apply white paint over the chalk. A true artist, Sutherland’s spark and muse evolve as her plan comes to life.
The cow—and 74 other painted cows—will be placed in various locations throughout San Antonio this summer. In the fall of 2025, the 75 cows will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation.
CowParade Fun Facts
- CowParade fundraisers have taken place in over 100 cities worldwide since 1999.
- More than 7,000 beautifully decorated cows have been on display over the last 26 years.
- San Antonio’s last CowParade was in 2003 and raised over $200,000.00 for various San Antonio charities.
- Artists must apply, and if chosen, have eight weeks to paint their cow.
- Melissa’s Blue Meauuuu must be completed by the end of April 2025.