New sleeping bobcat sculpture installed at Texas State

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Texas State University was excited to share its new addition, which is located outside Cibolo Hall, the campus residential building. 

The university held a dedication for the larger-than-life sculpture on Monday afternoon.

"We're celebrating the installation of a new piece of art here," said Dr. Kelly Damphousse, President of Texas State University. "We have a deal on our campus that 1% of the cost of any construction project will be dedicated to public art." 

Artist Matthew Mazzotta, of New York, visited San Marcos for the event, along with students, staff, and alumni. 

"From a sketch in my notebook to the present day took about a year and a half," said Matthew Mazzotta. 

As students returned from their winter break, they were greeted with the new art piece titled, 'Local Habitat.' 

"It's the first day back in class, and so we installed the piece over winter break, but this is the first time to have everyone back here," said Dr. Damphousse. "It's a great way to kick off the spring semester." 

The sleeping bobcat rests above the entrance. 

"I see this bobcat as a metaphor for the students," said Mazzotta. "The bobcat has to go out there and kill it, but it also has to rest, the same thing with the students. They have to kill it with their work, sports, whatever, but they have got to come home. So this project is a lot about mental health as well."

Mazzotta said he hopes the artwork will inspire a sense of peace, relaxation, and home. 

"That gentle smile on its face, I hope it does warm someone's heart on a hard day and just say listen, take it easy," said Mazzotta.

It symbolizes the university's pride in its mascot and reminds students to prioritize their health.