To celebrate the 138-miles of MCT Trails, and to bring public art into its communities, Madison County Transit (MCT) and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) are pleased to announce the installation of six out of eight large-scale “Trail Critter” sculptures along the MCT Trails, as part of the newly launched Art on the Trails initiative.

Created by the talented Texas-based artist Jeffie Brewer, these captivating sculptures are crafted from durable 10-gauge steel, ensuring longevity, weather resistance, and minimal maintenance requirements. The Trail Critter sculptures are a gift to the community from ACT, designed to enhance the visual appeal of the MCT Trails while fostering a sense of playfulness and creativity.

The vibrant and whimsical sculptures are strategically placed in highly visible locations, providing a contrast to the natural greens and browns of the MCT Trails. The intention is to engage trail users of all ages and add a touch of artistry to the outdoor experience.

The current Trail Critters and their respective locations include:

  • Radish – Located in Collinsville on the MCT Schoolhouse Trail along Horseshoe Lake Rd., a 10-foot-tall purple horse.
  • Cole – Located in Glen Carbon along the MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail at Main Street, a 12-foot-tall hot pink canary.
  • Mary – Located in Maryville along the MCT Schoolhouse Trail near Drost Park, a 9-foot-tall red cardinal.
  • Marina – Located south of Alton on the MCT Confluence Trail overlooking the Mississippi River, a 12-foot-tall yellow heron.
  • Jarvis – Located in Troy on the MCT Goshen Trail along Old Troy Road, near IL-162, a 10-foot-tall teal bear.
  • Nelson – Located in Edwardsville at the intersection of the MCT Nature, MCT Nickel Plate, and MCT Goshen Trails by Plum Street, a kitty standing at 9 feet-tall.

Two additional Trail Critters will arrive along the MCT Trails in Pontoon Beach and Granite City in the spring of 2024, expanding the experience throughout Madison County.

“The Art on the Trails initiative is yet another way that we are enhancing the MCT Trails experience for our residents and visitors,” said MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison. “I want to thank and recognize the ACT Board of Directors for this generous gift to the MCT Trails and am confident that our Critters will bring a smile to trail-goers of all ages.”

To learn more about MCT, ACT, or the MCT Trails, visit www.mct.org or email info@mct.org.