Landmarks, the public art program of The University of Texas at Austin, announces the return of Paws for Public Art, an annual wellness event that pairs works of art and animals to offer mental health breaks. On March 12 from 11 AM – 2 PM, petting zoos with miniature goats, hedgehogs, bunnies, chicks, and other animals will be stationed at four iconic sculptures from Landmarks’ collection: Mark di Suvero’s Clock Knot, Nancy Rubins’ Monochrome for Austin, Sol LeWitt’s Circle with Towers, andJoel Perlman’s Square Tilt. An accompanying mobile app will share information about the animals and works of art and will guide visitors through wellness exercises. The event is free and open to all.

Presented in partnership with theLonghorn Wellness Center, Paws for Public Art highlights the ways in which engagement with art and animals alleviate stress—especially helpful to students during mid-term exams. Local petting zoo companies Tiny Tails to You and Fannie’s Farm Animals will offer opportunities to engage with animals, while Landmarks staff and volunteers share insights about the works of art at each station. Representatives from the Longhorn Wellness Center will also be onsite, providing information on sleep hygiene, social connection, mindfulness, and self-care. 

Paws for Public Art builds on Landmarks’ previous programs focused on wellbeing and mental health. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Landmarks developed an online meditation inside Turrell’s Skyspace. In 2023, Wellness Wednesdays was launched, a series of sound bath meditations led by Sonic Starchild. Most recently, mobile tours focused on fitness and mindfulness were developed with The Fitness Institute of Texas and the Longhorn Wellness Center, respectively. Both are available on Landmarks’ mobile app.