“Seth Fitts’ painting of a mythic, dreamlike landscape evokes far-off places and deep forests. “‘Spirit Wolf’ symbolizes our investment in Carrollton’s community and culture, and we were thrilled to have it back,” said Rachel Linn, library manager. It remained in Samples’ office until, five years later, he got a call. Since the library was about to undergo renovations, it was in the wolf’s best interest to return to UWG. Samples knew repairing them would be difficult. “Spirit Wolf” lived outside at the Neva Lomason Memorial Library until 2015 when its two front paws were unfortunately broken off. With one of the wolf art pieces – known as “Spirit Wolf” – fellow alumnus Seth Fitts’ blended Georgia’s red wolf, red clay, pine trees, and Blue Ridge mountains Native American motifs and spirals indicating expansion and continuity, reflecting the growth of community. Howl for UWG raised approximately $75,000, a portion of which supported UWG’s general scholarships with the remainder used to establish an endowment to honor Bruce Bobick, the former chair for the Department of Art. Samples – a UWG alumnus, professor of arts, and associate dean of the College of Arts, Culture and Scientific Inquiry – modeled the project after CowParade, an international herd of painted cows that raised millions of dollars for charity. “The wolves connect art, academics and athletics with a strong sense of community pride.” “As a lifelong native of Carrollton and Carroll County, the Howl for UWG project was about showcasing pride in my school and home,” said Samples of the grassroots effort where artists created life-sized, fiberglass, howling wolves that roam campus and the community.
![spirit wolf spirit wolf](https://mkpcdn.com/1000x/1b398aef80fac66025d45b7fa1d9138b_505985.jpg)
When the University of West Georgia’s Clint Samples embarked on a public art project almost a decade ago, his goal was to create a visual expression of the bond between the community and the university.