The Cows Are Coming: DeKalb’s Newest Public Art Initiative

There’s a new herd headed to DeKalb County, and these cows are bringing plenty of creativity with them.

The Cows Are Coming is a countywide public art initiative celebrating DeKalb’s history, communities and creative spirit in a way that’s impossible to miss. In celebration of the reconstitution of the DeKalb Arts Council, all 12 cities in DeKalb County will receive a life-size fiberglass cow that will be transformed into an original work of art.

And yes, there’s a reason DeKalb chose cows.

A Nod to DeKalb’s Dairy Days

Long before DeKalb became known for its incredible mix of cultures, cuisine, entertainment, outdoor adventures and thriving communities, the county had deep agricultural roots. In fact, DeKalb was once known as the “Dairy Capital of Georgia,” with approximately 240 independent dairies contributing to the area’s history.

Now, that history is getting a colorful new chapter.

Each cow will serve as a canvas for an artist to tell a story inspired by the community it represents. Once completed, the sculptures will be installed in prominent locations and accompanied by markers providing context about the artistic expression behind each piece.

Meet the Herd

From one side of the county to the other, visitors will eventually be able to discover cows in Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stonecrest, Stone Mountain and Tucker.

The best part? No two cows will be alike.

Each participating city brings its own personality, history and creative energy to the project, turning the initiative into a countywide collection that showcases just how diverse DeKalb really is.

Think of it as a new kind of DeKalb adventure: 12 cities. 12 works of art. One unforgettable herd.

Calling All Artists

Before the cows can hit the streets, they need artists to bring them to life.

Professional and emerging artists, artist teams and collectives are invited to submit original concepts for the life-size fiberglass sculptures, with local and regional artists especially encouraged to participate. Selected artists will receive an all-inclusive $3,000 artist payment for their work.

The deadline to submit is August 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Proposals should include a design concept, color sketches or renderings, an artist statement or bio, portfolio examples, a materials and process summary, and contact information.

View artist application details and learn more about The Cows Are Coming

From Blank Canvas to DeKalb Landmark

The transformation will happen quickly. Artist selections are scheduled to be finalized in September, followed by the creation period from September 14 through October 23. Installation of the completed cows is expected to take place between October 26 and November 6, 2026.

By the end, what started as a collection of blank fiberglass forms will become public landmarks scattered across DeKalb County.

For residents, they’re a celebration of home. For artists, they’re a chance to leave a creative mark on the county. And for visitors? They might just become the start of the ultimate DeKalb scavenger hunt.

Follow the Herd Across DeKalb

At Discover DeKalb, we love experiences that give you another reason to explore beyond the familiar—and The Cows Are Coming does exactly that.

Grab your camera, choose a city and see how many members of the herd you can find. Along the way, make a day of it: discover a restaurant you haven’t tried, explore a local attraction, stroll through a downtown district or uncover another piece of DeKalb’s story.

Because when the cows come home to DeKalb, you’re going to want to meet the whole herd.

Stay tuned as the artists are selected, the cows begin their transformations and this one-of-a-kind public art collection takes shape across DeKalb County.