In 1782, the country's founders selected the majestic American Bald Eagle as the official symbol for the commonwealth.
Around 150 years later, states began choosing animals for local representation. Today a multitude of animals represent their state's heritage reflecting local habitats, regional economic strengths and unique historical significance.
In 2008, I painted, "Fifty State Animals," fifty acrylic paintings portraying One official animal from each state in the union. Today the series has diversified into a multidimensional art piece including a street art series across SE Denver and prints mounted on panels.
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Cafe Miriam at City Park
2217 E 21st Ave, Denver, CO
cafemiriam.com
Best crepes in town and much more! Fifty State Animals panels are on display and for sale year round. Enjoy the finest coffee, breakfast and lunch just steps from City Park.
FIFTY STATE ANIMALS POSTER
From the original acrylic painting series, Fifty State Animals is Andrew Woodward's homage to America's official mascots.
gloss paper, 24 x 36", $25
ALABAMA WILD TURKEY
The wild turkey was designated the official Alabama game bird in 1980. A true American, the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is the largest & most widely distributed of the six subspecies of wild turkey in North America. The Male can grow up to 4’ tall and weigh well over 20 lbs. Hens may be almost as tall but usually weigh. The wild turkey is also a state symbol of MA, SC, & OK.
STREET ART LOCATION
Evans and I25N Entrance
12 x 12" Panel, $60
ALASKA MOOSE
Designated the official Alaska Land Mammal in 1998. Moose (Alces alces) are the world's largest member of the deer family, and the Alaska moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest of all moose (males 1,000 - 1,600 lbs). They mostly inhabit the northern forests of North America, Europe, & Russia (in Europe they are called "elk".)
STREET ART LOCATION
Hampden and Oneida
12 x 12" Panel, $60
ARIZONA RIDGE NOSED RATTLESNAKE
The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) was recognized as the official state reptile of Arizona in 1986. First known to science in 1905, this small brown snake is of the most primitive rattlesnakes found in the US.
STREET ART LOCATION
Tamarac and I-25S Exit (COMING SOON)
12 x 12" Panel, $60
ARKANSAS MOCKINGBIRD
The mockingbird was recognized as the official state bird of Arkansas in 1929. Northern Mockingbirds have extraordinary vocal abilities - they can sing up to 200 songs, including those of other birds, insects & amphibian sounds, and even some mechanical noises.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and Grape
12 x 12" Panel, $60
CALIFORNIA QUAIL
Designated the California valley quail as the state bird in 1931. Known for hardiness and adaptability, the native bird (Callipepla Californicus) is plump, smaller than a pigeon, with a black plume on its head & a black bib & white stripe under its beak. AKA: CA partridge, Catalina quail, Topknot quail & Valley Quail.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and Clermont
12 x 12" Panel, $60
COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN
Colorado designated the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep as designated official state animal in 1961. Their massive, curling horns can grow to 50”. With agility & balance, they (Ovis canadensis) are found only in the Rockies in extremely rugged terrain. Their horns aren’t shed annually but grow in length and circumference throughout the sheep's life (a pair can weigh 30 lbs). Fewer than 45,000 are scattered through the western US and Canada.
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd @ Yale W
12 x 12" Panel, $60
CONNECTICUT AMERICAN ROBIN
Connecticut designated the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as the state bird in 1943. Also, the official state bird of MI and WI. Robins are a true thrush and one of America's favorite songbirds. Migratory robins are watched for each year as the herald of spring, but many spend the entire winter in NE swamps, roosting in evergreens and feeding on winter berries.
STREET ART LOCATION
Monaco and Narcissus
12 x 12" Panel, $60
DELAWARE LADYBUG
The lady bug was adopted as the official state bug of Delaware in 1974 thanks to an intensive effort made by the 2nd grade students of the Lulu M. Ross Elementary in Milford, Delaware. Lady bugs help gardeners and farmers by eating tiny insect pests that damage plants.
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Iliff
12 x 12" Panel, $60
FLORIDA PANTHER
In 1982 the students of Florida elected the panther (Felis concolor coryi) as the state animal of FL. A large predator (can grow more than 6’ in length) and they play an important role in the ecosystem. Florida panthers were persecuted to near-extinction out of fear (folklore refers to as "catamounts"). It is on the federal endangered species list, 1967, and the state’s endangered list in 1973.
STREET ART LOCATION
E Quincy by Tamarac Circle
12 x 12" Panel, $60
GEORGIA BROWN THRASHER
Georgia's governor first proclaimed brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) as state bird in 1935; it was finally recognized by state legislature asstate bird in 1970 (at the request of Garden Clubs of Georgia).
STREET ART LOCATION
COMING SOON
12 x 12" Panel, $60
HAWAII GOOSE
In 1957 Hawaii designated the nene, or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandwicensis) as the official state bird. The nene seldom swims and isn't bothered by predators or the cold, they do not fly much and their wings are weak compared to other geese. The Nene has feet only half as webbed as other geese and longer toes for climbing on the rocky surfaces.
STREET ART LOCATION
Hampden and Poplar
12 x 12" Panel, $60
IDAHO PEREGRINE FALCON
The amazing peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was designated official state raptor of Idaho in 2004 (also on state quarter). Idaho recognizes two bird symbols (mountain bluebird is state bird). The Peregrine Falcon was an endangered species due to pesticides, but populations are recovering since banning of DDT in the 1970s and it was removed from the list in 1999.
STREET ART LOCATION
2500 S Colorado Blvd
12 x 12" Panel, $60
ILLINOIS PAINTED TURTLE
Designated official state reptile in 2005 after winning the 2004 vote of the citizens of IL. Also the state reptile of Michigan.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and I-25 N exit
12 x 12" Panel, $60
INDIANA CARDINAL
The wild turkey was designated the official Alabama game bird in 1980. A true native American, the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is the largest & most widely distributed of the six subspecies of wild turkey in North America. The Male can grow up to 4’ tall and weigh over 20 lbs. Hens may be almost as tall but usually less than 12–14lbs. The turkey is also a symbol of MA, SC, & OK.
STREET ART LOCATION
Havana and Girard
12 x 12" Panel, $60
IOWA EASTERN GOLDFINCH
Iowa designated the eastern goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) as state bird in 1933. Also called American goldfinch or wild canary, the eastern goldfinch is found throughout Iowa and often stays through the winter months.
STREET ART LOCATION
Evans and Birch
12 x 12" Panel, $60
KANSAS TIGER BARRED SALAMANDER
Kansas designated the barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium) as state amphibian in 1994. A large amphibian that can grow to 14’, they are found in wild from southwest Canada through the western United States and south into northern Mexico.
STREET ART LOCATION
Amherst and Quebec
12 x 12" Panel, $60
KENTUCKY THOROUGHBRED
The thoroughbred (Equus caballus) was designated the official state horse of Kentucky in 1996 (a thoroughbred horse is also featured on the Kentucky state quarter).
STREET ART LOCATION
(COMING SOON)
12 x 12" Panel, $60
LOUISIANA BROWN PELICAN
Designated state bird of Louisiana in 1966. Early European settlers were impressed with the pelican's generous and loving natur toward their young, and the brown pelican has been a symbol of LA ever since. Louisiana's official nickname is "The Pelican State" and the brown pelican appears on LA's state flag, state seal, the official state painting, and is one of three Louisiana symbols displayed on the U.S. mint quarter.
STREET ART LOCATION
Havana and Dartmouth
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MAINE COON CAT
The Maine coon cat was recognized as the official state cat of Maine in 1985. Well established more than a century ago, they are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. Though tabby color is most well-known, they come in many colors.
STREET ART LOCATION
Monaco and Cornell
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MARYLAND BLUE CRAB
Marlyand designated the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) as official state crustacean in 1989. Its scientific name translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." The name honors Mary Jane Rathbun, the scientist who described the species in 1896. The blue crab is native to the western edge of the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Argentina. The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its blue crabs.
STREET ART LOCATION
(COMING SOON)
12 x 12" Panel $60
MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON TERRIER
The Boston Terrier (Canis familiaris bostenensis) was recognized by the Massachusetts legislature as the official state dog in 1979. A cross between an English bulldog and an English terrier, the Boston terrier was the first "purebred" dog developed in America (1869).
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and Albion
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MICHIGAN WOLVERINE
The wolverine has a stout body and short muscular legs with two light chestnut stripes extending along its dark brown sides from the shoulders to the end of a hairy tail. The largest member of the weasel family, up to 35 to 44 inches long, the animal has a vicious disposition and destructive capabilities.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and Dahlia
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MINNESOTA COMMON LOON
The common loon (Gavia immer) was adopted as official state bird symbol of MN in 1961. Loons are known for their cries, wails, and yodels - their eerie, echoing calls are a distinctive feature of MN’s northern lakes.
STREET ART LOCATION
Evans and Holly
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MISSISSIPPI RED FOX
Mississippi designated the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as an official mammal symbol of the state in 1997. The red fox is a member of the canidae family (includes wolf, coyote & domestic dog.)
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Yale E
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MISSOURI FOX TROTTER
The Missouri Fox Trotter, designated state horse June 4, 2002, were developed in rugged Ozark hills of Missouri during the early 19th century. Bloodlines can be traced from early settlers to Missouri from the neighboring states of KY, IL, TN and AR. The distinguishing characteristic of the fox trotter is its rhythmic gait, in which the horse walks with its front feet and trots with the hind.
STREET ART LOCATION
7500 E Hampden
12 x 12" Panel, $60
MONTANA GRIZZLY BEAR
Montana designated the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) as the official state animal in 1983. They can be found in Glacier National Park and mountains in NW Montana. The largest carnivores in America, an adult can stand 8 feet tall on its hind legs, weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and run at speeds up to 35 miles an hour.
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Hampden
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NEBRASKA HONEYBEE
Nebraska designated the honeybee (Apis mellifica) as official state insect in 1975. Bee pollination is critical to plant and human survival - beeswax and honey are just surplus gifts from this tiny wonder of nature. The honeybee is an official state symbol in 17 states as honeybees play an important role in agriculture.
STREET ART LOCATION
COMING SOON
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NEVADA MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD
Nevada designated the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) as the official state bird in 1967 A member of the thrush family, the mountain bluebird lives in Nevada's high country and sings with a clear, short warble.
STREET ART LOCATION
Monaco and Memorial Way
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NEW HAMPSHIRE RED SPOTTED NEWT
New Hampshire designated the spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) as the official state amphibian in 1985 after a 2-year effort by high school students. Common in New Hampshire, the Union Leader newspaper (April 25, 1985, p. 48) lists the newt as "the perfect symbol for ensuring ecology in New Hampshire, as they exist predominantly in the rain and runoff sodden areas heavily affected by acid rain."
STREET ART LOCATION
COMING SOON
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NEW JERSEY BROOK TROUT
The brook trout, (Salvelinus fontinalis) was declared the official state fish in 1991. Governor James J. Florio signed it January 8, 1992 at Hopatcong Middle School, Hopatcong.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and I-25 S Exit
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NEW MEXICO ROADRUNNER
Designated official state bird in 1949, The roadrunner, aka the chaparral bird, (Geococcyx californianus) inhabits desert and shrubby country in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
STREET ART LOCATION
Tamarac and Dartmouth
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NEW YORK AMERICAN BEAVER
The beaver (Castor canadensis) was adopted as the State animal of New York in 1975. Unique animals with flat tails and lustrous fur, beavers have the ability to change a landscape second only to humans. Beavers prefer to dam streams in shallow valleys, turning much of the flooded area into wetlands (almost half of endangered and threatened species in North America rely on wetlands).
STREET ART LOCATION
University and Dartmouth
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NORTH CAROLINA GREY SQUIRREL
The Eastern gray squirrel was designated the official state mammal of North Carolina in 1969.
STREET ART LOCATION
Monaco and Oneida
12 x 12" Panel, $60
NORTH DAKOTA WESTERN MEADOWLARK
The western meadowlark (Sturnella Neglecta) was designated official state bird of North Dakota in 1947. The western meadowlark is a familiar songbird of open country across the western two-thirds of the continent. (from WI to TX and west to the Pacific). Also state bird of KS, MT, NE, OR, and WY.
STREET ART LOCATION
COMING SOON
12 x 12" Panel, $60
OHIO WHITE TAILED DEER
Designated official state animal in 1988. An animal of beauty and power, they can run up to 40 miles per hour, jump 9 foot fences, & swim 13 miles per hour. The white underside of the deer's tail waves when running and is flashed when danger is sensed. Native Americans and settlers relied on the white-tailed deer for buckskin & food.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yosemite and Eastman
12 x 12" Panel, $60
OKLAHOMA SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER
Oklahoma designated the scissor-tailed flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) as state bird in 1951. Protected by law, it is of great economic value (diet consists almost entirely of non-useful & harmful insect species such as grasshoppers, crickets, & beetles). The songbird's unique tail can be twice as long as its body. Oklahoma is the center of its nesting range.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and Quebec
12 x 12" Panel, $60
OREGON SWALLOWTAIL
The Oregon swallowtail butterfly (Papilio oregonius) was designated as OR’s official state insect in 1979. This strikingly beautiful butterfly is a true native of the Northwest. The OR Swallowtail butterfly can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage.
STREET ART LOCATION
Monaco and Yale
12 x 12" Panel, $60
PENNSYLVANIA GREAT DANE
The Great Dane was designated the official state dog of PA in 1965. A portrait of William Penn and his Great Dane hangs in the Governor's reception room (Best Friend, by PA artist Violet Oakley). Great Danes were used as a hunting and working breed in frontier Pennsylvania. PA Legislation states that naming an official dog of the Commonwealth would "recognize the steadfast service and loyal devotion of all dogs in PA."
STREET ART LOCATION
Tamarac and Eastman
12 x 12" Panel, $60
RHODE ISLAND RED
Designated the official state bird of RI in 1954. When the bill was signed into law, then Governor Roberts stated: "The RI red has become a symbol of Rhode Islanders all over the world."
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Amherst
12 x 12" Panel, $60
SOUTH CAROLINA WOLF SPIDER
South Carolina designated the Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) as the official state spider in 2000. It is the largest North American wolf spider. SC is the only state spider.
STREET ART LOCATION
COMING SOON
12 x 12" Panel, $60
SOUTH DAKOTA COYOTE
The coyote (Canis latrans) was adopted as SD state animal in 1949. Native to desert southwest, they now range from AK, Canada and the USA, and south to central America. In SD, the coyote (also called prairie wolf) is found in the greatest numbers in the Black Hills and along the Missouri River and its tributaries.
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Dartmouth
12 x 12" Panel, $60
TENNESSEE RACCOON
Adopted as Tennessee's wild animal symbol in 1971, the common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a native to the Americas. Derived from the Algonquian Indian word "aroughcoune," meaning "he who scratches with his hands," They range over entire US except Rockies and desert southwest. They were hunted in earlier times for their water repellent fur.
STREET ART LOCATION
Hampden and I-25 N exit
12 x 12" Panel, $60
TEXAS NINE BANDED ARMADILLO
Texas designated the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) as official state small mammal in 1995. Distant cousin to the sloth and anteater, the nb armadillo is only species in North America. A bony, scaled shell protects the armadillo from predators. Originally native to South America, it now ranges as far north as TX, OK, KS and LA. The other twenty or so armadillo species remain in Central and South America.
STREET ART LOCATION
Hamopden and Happy Canyon
12 x 12" Panel, $60
UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK
The Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis) became the official State animal of Utah in 1971. Called 'wapiti' by the Shawnee Indians, elk are members of the deer family and associate closely with the deer and moose of Utah. Elk once inhabited most of the USA, but are now found only west of the Rocky Mountains.
STREET ART LOCATION
Monaco and Iliff
12 x 12" Panel, $60
VERMONT MONARCH BUTTERFLY
Vermont designated the monarch (Danaus plexippus) as the official state butterfly in 1987. Caterpillar and butterfly are brilliant in color as a warning (they ingest toxins from the milkweed plant which are poisonous to predators.)
STREET ART LOCATION
Hampden and Verbana
12 x 12" Panel, $60
VIRGINIA AMERICAN FOXHOUND
Designated by VA American foxhound as official state dog in 1966. Developed in colonial times by landed gentry purely for the sport of hunting foxes. There are several strains (ie: Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July & Penn-Marydel) that differ in appearance but are the same breed.
STREET ART LOCATION
Tamarac and Girard
12 x 12" Panel, $60
WASHINGTON ORCA
WA designated the orca whale (Orcinus orca) as the official marine mammal in 2005 due to the research and persuasion of second graders from the Crescent Harbor Elementary School in Oak Harbor, WA. This symbol is intended to promote orca awareness and to encourage protection of the natural marine habitat. Pods of orcas migrate annually through Puget Sound. It is a significant symbol for the Native American culture.
STREET ART LOCATION
Yale and Fillmore
12 x 12" Panel, $60
WEST VIRGINIA BLACK BEAR
The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for WV in 1954. Students, teachers, and sportsmen chose the black bear as the animal symbol by a large margin. The population lives in all of West Virginia's 55 counties.
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Dickinson
12 x 12" Panel, $60
WISCONSIN DAIRY COW
The dairy cow (Bos taurus) was designated the state domesticated animal of Wisconsin in 1971. The dairy industry has been important to Wisconsin's economy and heritage.
STREET ART LOCATION
Hampden and Galena
12 x 12" Panel, $60
WYOMING BISON
Designated official state mammal in 1985, a bull Bison can weigh over 1800 lbs & stand 6’ tall. They roamed the prairie by tens of millions and were a way of life for the plains Indians. Hunted to the brink of extinction, an estimated that 300 - 500 remained when the federal government passed stricter game laws in 1889. Inseparable with American history, no other wild animal has played such a significant role in human affairs.
STREET ART LOCATION
Colorado Blvd and Evans
12 x 12" Panel, $60
AMERICAN BALD EAGLE
The American bald eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) was adopted as the official emblem of the USA in 1782. Chosen because of its beauty, strength, long life, & because it's native to North America. In the wild, one will live 30-35 yrs (50 yrs in captivity). They fly up to 30 miles an hour and can dive at 100 miles an hour. Eagles feed primarily on fish, supplemented by small mammals, waterfowl, and carrion.
STREET ART LOCATION
Hampden and Monaco
12 x 12" Panel, $60