Local Artist Brings City’s Fiberglass Sheep to Life

VOICES OF THE CONCHO VALLEY

If you’ve spotted a cheerful fiberglass sheep around town—maybe one with a polka-dot bikini, fluttering butterflies, or a windswept West Texas ranch scene—there’s a good chance Ashley Perales painted it.

Perales, a San Angelo native and the artist behind more than two dozen of the town’s signature acrylic sheep statues, has turned a whimsical public art project into a personal and professional journey.

Finding Her Path Through Art

“I started my business Pop of Color in 2019, but my love of art started even way before that,” Perales said. “Since I was little, I loved to create. I loved drawing and doodling everywhere I went, reading, baking, crafting and being in nature. What’s funny is that most of those hobbies shaped me into the artist I am today.”

Perales earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a Concentration in Painting and Drawing from Angelo State University. She said she always knew art would be more than just a passion—it would be her career.

That path eventually led her to San Angelo’s “Sheep Spectacular,” a public art initiative celebrating the city’s rich legacy as the former wool-and-mohair capital of the world. Though often mistaken as a nod to Angelo State University’s ram mascot, the sheep statues are rooted in agricultural history—and for Perales, they’ve also become a symbol of community connection. The colorful, life-sized sheep can be found throughout town, proudly displayed in front of local businesses, schools, and community landmarks.

The Process of Bringing The Sheep to Life

Before the brush ever touches fiberglass, Perales begins with conversation. 

“Most businesses have an idea of what they want to see on the sheep,” she explained. “I start by making a list and communicating with them on placement, logos and design ideas.”

From there, she crafts a digital mockup to finalize the look before priming the statue—a necessary process that involves smoothing edges and covering imperfections. Then the painting begins.

“Most of my sheep have a gray face and ears, that seems to be my signature I tell people to look for,” she said. “I love painting each sheep with a smile and if you look closely, some even have eyelashes.”

Family, Memory and a Special Sheep

When asked what sheep is her favorite, she said: “I would probably have to say Jost Landscaping is one that stuck with me,” said Perales. “The story behind it revolves around family and there’s many things I painted in it as symbolism.”

“My grandpa used to have an automotive shop back in the 80s and 90s that is currently the new building location for Jost Landscaping. That made it a special sheep for me also,” she said.

From a red cardinal representing her grandfather and lost loved ones, to butterflies symbolizing a miraculous recovery in the Jost family, the design was a blend of memory and meaning. One side of the statue features colorful wildflowers and wildlife; the other, a ranch scene from the family’s property.

“It’s more than just a sheep; it’s an art piece that is meaningful with love put into it,” Perales said. “It showed me that art is more than just a pretty picture, it’s a way to bring life and memory to our loved ones for generations to come.”

Not Your Average Canvas

Creating art for the Sheep Spectacular isn’t your typical paper-and-paint setup—it’s a full-sized fiberglass canvas that brings its own unique set of challenges. From the curved belly that distorts lettering to the hard-to-reach angles on the legs and underbelly, every part of the life-sized sheep statue demands creative problem-solving. 

Despite the physical quirks, Perales said each new sheep keeps her work fresh and exciting.

“It’s taught me to accept challenges as a way to improve as an artist,” she said. “Each sheep is so different so it keeps it exciting and fun!”

And while the sheep have become beloved landmarks, for Perales, they’re also symbols of pride and unity.

“I hope people feel excited to see my sheep around town,” she said. “I know many people who say they play the scavenger hunt around San Angelo to try and find all the sheep. Many people take pictures with them and even post when they ‘find a new one in the wild.’”

“I believe by having these fun and unique staples of art in our community makes San Angelo stand out,” she added. “It not only enhances the look of a business or organization, but brings awareness to our community and its roots.”

More Sheep on the Horizon

Currently, Perales is juggling four sheep projects in her studio, including one for the Cowboy Church and another for Santa Rita Elementary—her own former school.

Others in the works include designs for the Upper Colorado River Authority, and Yellowhouse Machinery.

If These Sheep Could Walk and Talk…

Asked what one of her sheep might be like if it came to life, Perales didn’t hesitate.

“The one I could definitely see coming to life would have to be the Lakehouse Pizzeria sheep,” she said. “She has a cute yellow polka dot bikini on, a beach bag, flip flops, a flower in her hair and eyelashes! She’s so cute and sassy and I absolutely loved making this sheep’s personality shine.”

After 25 sheep and counting, Perales said the joy she felt after her first painted statue has never faded.

“It was something I was dreaming about for years and it finally happened,” she said. “Then after that one, the ball got rolling and I kept having sheep inquiry after another!”

With her brushes ready and creativity flowing, Ashley Perales plans to keep adding color, character, and a bit of San Angelo’s rich history to each sheep she paints.

“I hope I can keep painting more each year and keep spreading joy and happiness with my artwork!”

• Name: Ashley Perales
• Contact: 325-277-9138 or Popofcolor325@outlook.com
• Website: Pop of Color | San Angelo TX | Facebook

“Voices of the Concho Valley” is a weekly series that highlights local residents who shape and enrich our community. Through personal profiles, it explores their passions, careers and connections to this unique region we all call home.