The Quirky Amarillo Art Project That Still Surprises Locals and Visitors

One of the first things people learn when they move to the Amarillo area is about all the quirky things we have around town. You can drive around and find most of them without really trying.

Amarillo’s Quirky Landmarks Are Everywhere

There is no doubt you already know about the Cadillac Ranch. We also recently added the Slug Bug Ranch on the other side of town. Amarillo has a lot to enjoy. We have The Big Texan which brings in all of the tourists.

We also have those big legs off I-27 staring at us from the side of the road. Oh, and if we drive around some of the older neighborhoods we will see random signs in peoples yards. That is something you probably didn't have where you were from.

The Art Project That Started It All

This was an art project in the early 90's that was attributed to Stanley Marsh. Marsh also brought us the Cadillacs in the ground and those large legs among other things. Then when controversy surround his name hit our city some people chose to remove those signs.

Read More: Unveiling Amarillo's Colorful Past: Scandals That Rocked the City

Brian Deneke’s Lasting Creative Legacy

What people may not remember is that those signs were designed and created by Brian Deneke before his untimely death. Deneke was part of the art project and those signs are part of his legacy. That is what I try to remember when I see them around town.

Why These Signs Still Fascinate Locals Today

I love finding one I have never seen. I enjoy all the designs and weird sayings. This is a part of Amarillo and just like the Cadillac Ranch has new people in the area asking why?

It's nice driving around and finding more and more signs. They seem to be all over the old neighborhoods and it's great when I drive up to yet another one. Yes, I am that weird one who slows down and takes a photo.

Amarillo has some really quirky things and those signs are a part of our history.