A bronze rabbit sculpture in downtown Cheyenne has become the latest casualty in a series of unfortunate collisions involving the city's beloved public art installations. "Lazy Days," a life-size bronze depiction of a reclining rabbit by artist Joshua Tobey, was struck during a multi-vehicle accident last Sunday morning, marking the third time in two years that a motorist has crashed into one of Cheyenne's 82 bronze sculptures. The incident has raised concerns about traffic safety while highlighting the surprising resilience of these artistic treasures that have become integral to the city's cultural landscape.
The accident occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of 19th Street and Pioneer Avenue, directly across from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office. According to Harvey Deselms, the art dealer spearheading the Capitol Avenue Bronze Project, a Ford Explorer and Jeep collided and careened toward the sculpture's corner location. The impact knocked the rabbit from its sandstone pedestal, causing cosmetic damage to the sculpture's face, foot, and hindquarters while shattering several stone blocks. Both vehicles appeared to be totaled, with bent wheels and significant body damage, though the drivers escaped serious injury and were taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Deselms has been championing the installation of 100 bronze sculptures throughout downtown Cheyenne for nearly two decades as part of the Capitol Avenue Bronze Project. As of January 2026, 82 pieces have been placed, with plans to install at least 11 more before year's end. All sculptures are privately funded through donations but become city property upon installation, meaning Cheyenne's insurance covers damage from vandalism or accidents involving unidentified perpetrators. However, driver-related incidents result in claims against the responsible motorist's insurance policy, creating a financial deterrent for reckless driving.
The rabbit collision follows two previous accidents and one act of vandalism. In January 2025, a truck struck a $95,000 sculpture outside Deselms Fine Art, narrowly missing another valued at $165,000. In October 2025, someone attempted to steal "Buffalo Nation," a bronze by renowned Wyoming artist Chris Navarro, from its pedestal at Pioneer Avenue and West 19th Street. Deselms notes a consistent pattern: the bronze sculptures sustain minimal damage while vehicles are often destroyed. "They must have been clipping along at a very high rate of speed to generate that much force," he observed regarding the crashes.
Despite these setbacks, Deselms remains undeterred, viewing the accidents as inevitable in an urban environment. "I was involved in a traffic accident years ago, so I know accidents are not on purposes," he said. "I think we're doing pretty well with only three accidents out of 82 sculptures, and it's amazing how much people love the bronzes." The sculptures have become integral to Cheyenne's identity, with residents and visitors alike embracing them as permanent fixtures that enhance the downtown experience and create a unique sense of place.
The damaged rabbit is currently being transported to Joshua Tobey's studio for reweld and re-patination, while Harold F. Johnson Masonry repairs the sandstone pedestal. The restoration will take several weeks, but Deselms sees these incidents as cautionary tales that might encourage safer driving. "Whoever hits them gets a ticket, and their insurance is going to be very unhappy," he noted. "Talk about adding insult to injury." The project continues forward with unwavering community support, proving that the value of public art transcends occasional mishaps and that Cheyenne remains committed to its vision of becoming a premier outdoor sculpture destination.
