Photo by Ralph Lauer
Overheard while visiting sculptor Brad Oldham’s Playful Puppy in Keller: “It’s like ‘The Bean’ in Chicago but better because I like dogs.” The most recent acquisition by the Keller Public Arts Board now sits outside the city’s public safety building and the regional animal services adoption center overseen by the Humane Society of North Texas. Shaded by mature oaks, the mirror-polished stainless steel figure is part of a small plaza. Oldham, whose projects grace public and private spaces around the world, is a Keller High School alum now based in Dallas (yes, his brother is designer Todd Oldham). He created Playful Puppy along with wife and fellow artist Christy Coltrin as part of a private commission. Measuring about 8½ feet long, nose to tail, and 6½ feet tall, it’s perched on a small concrete and rock platform. While not as massive as The Bean, it still beautifully reflects the surrounding park and visitors who position themselves carefully.