Artists: Dan Brown, Art Teacher; Students: Caroline Carlson; Hannah Derwick; Amanda Fox; Samantha Heba; Tom Kirk; Konrad Morawski; Emilee Russell; Ashley Mulryan; Evan Ryan; Karen Ullman; Kelly VanBrunt; Kevin Volz 

Sponsor: The Neighbors of Seneca Heights

Location: Magnano Park, South Olean

Hermie the Squirrel By: Matthew Kuzdzal — I like the squirrel, Hermie, because it is really patriotic. It reminds me of Patriot’s Day when we will march in the parade. This is so cool! I like a lot of stuff on Hermie the Squirrel including the flag, playground, school, and the lighted lamp.

Hermie was sponsored by the residents of Seneca Heights neighborhood and created by the Olean Middle School students under the direction of their art teacher, Dan Brown. It evolved as an idea to commemorate the neighborhood’s unique characteristics and the former elementary school, Hillside Elementary that once stood where Hermie now resides. Each student envisioned and created a scene that they felt represented this unique neighborhood in Olean: the school; the signature street lamp; a bald eagle.