When Matt Kress returned to his hometown, he brought more than just his artistic talents—he brought a vision of color and whimsy to Minerva’s streetscape. Kress, a muralist known for his vibrant work across the U.S., recently completed his second major public art project in the village, transforming a giant cow sculpture into a stunning piece of art inspired by Picasso.
The project began as a collaboration with the Minerva Dairy and the Minerva Art Council, with Kress incorporating elements that pay homage to the dairy’s heritage. The colorful design of the sculpture features a modern cubist style combined with the dairy’s iconic pattern that is seen on their packaging.
“The idea was to bring a little fun and nostalgia to the town,” Kress said. “I wanted it to remind people of childhood memories, evoke a sense of playfulness, and make Minerva feel like a place for kids and families again.”
Despite some criticism on social media, with some residents expressing concern that the bright colors and abstract design might carry political undertones in regards to LGBTQ+ support, Kress maintained that his sole intention was to create a joyful piece of art that everyone could enjoy.
“Art is subjective, and it’s supposed to make you feel something,” he explained. “My goal was simply to bring out the child in everyone, to make people smile and remember the fun and simplicity of youth.”
Kress, who graduated from Minerva High School in 1994, began his journey into the art world at Kent State University. After spending 12 years in the corporate world, he made a life-changing decision in 2016 to pursue art full-time. His murals can now be seen in cities such as Tampa, Denver, Raleigh, and Santa Fe.
“I had a pivotal moment in Tampa that made me realize art was my true calling,” Kress recalled. “I started sharing my work in galleries and restaurants, and before I knew it, I was getting commissioned to paint murals. Since then, I’ve been blessed to complete over 30 murals and be fully booked months in advance.”
Kress’s return to Minerva has been particularly meaningful for him, as it offers a chance to give back to the community that raised him. His latest work, the transformation of “Lacy May” into “PiCOWso,” was funded by the Minerva Art Council, which facilitated the collaboration and supported Kress throughout the project. As for room and board, well that was cheap. His mother, who still lives in the area, provided meals and a place for Matt to stay during the project.
Venae Watts, a fifth-generation owner of Minerva Dairy, expressed her excitement about the new sculpture, noting its contrast to the previous black-and-white cow, which only represented the Holstein breed.
“Now, ‘PiCOWso’ represents art, diversity, and a burst of creativity in our town,” she said. “It’s become more than just a landmark; it’s a symbol of how we embrace change and celebrate our heritage.”
The sculpture, which now stands as a vibrant beacon in downtown Minerva, is even speculated to be the largest painted art cow in the world.
“We’ve done some research, and we’re pretty sure this is a unique piece,” Watts said with a smile. “It’s exciting to think that our little town could be home to something so special.”
With “PiCOWso” becoming a centerpiece of Minerva’s downtown revitalization, the community is already looking forward to future projects. The Art Council and Kress are in discussions to explore more public art installations, continuing to infuse the village with creativity and pride.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create something special here,” Kress said. “It’s a way for me to say thank you to the place that helped shape who I am today.”
As the town of Minerva gathers around its newest artistic attraction, it’s clear that “PiCOWso” has succeeded in its mission: to bring a touch of joy and a splash of color to the heart of the community.
Discover more from Jordan Miller News - News That Matters To You in Ohio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
