Accepting Applications: Paws For Freedom

Overview

Paws for Freedom is a community art and engagement initiative by Battleship IOWA that invites people of all ages to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States through creativity, reflection, and shared storytelling.

Centered around 8 small “Vicky the Dog” statues — inspired by the beloved canine mascot of the Battleship IOWA — the campaign invites youth, veterans, artists, and community groups to paint and personalize each statue, creating a unique expression of freedom, service, and unity.

Together, the eight statues will form a collective exhibition titled “Paws for Freedom”—a tribute to America’s 250 years of courage, diversity, and enduring spirit.

Goals and Objectives

Inspire curiosity, connect communities, enhance understanding

We are looking to partner with organizations and/or individuals of diverse background and age to paint our Vicky statues with the ultimate goal of having the finished collection displayed publicly in a gallery setting, before making their way back to Battleship IOWA to be displayed for the rest of the year.

• Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday (1776–2026): Reflect on the nation’s journey of freedom, service, and progress.
• Connect Communities: Use art as a bridge between generations, cultures, and experiences.
• Honor Service and Sacrifice: Recognize veterans, families, and everyday heroes who embody the values of freedom and loyalty.
• Inspire Reflection: Encourage people to take a “paws” — a pause — to think about what freedom means today.

Timeline

• January-February 2026: Finalize campaign participants
• February-March 2026: Artist planning, conceptualization 
• April-May 2026: Painting period, potentially live painting at LA Fleet Week
• June-August 2026: Public display, local gallery 
• September-December 2026: Display moves to Battleship IOWA

Potential Participants

• Youth organizations
• Local schools
• Local Artists 
• Veterans / Veteran organizations
• Navy
• Local businesses
• First responders 

Participation Guidelines

• Participating organizations and individuals will be provided with one Vicky statue, paint and paint brushes. Must use the paints provided by Battleship IOWA
• Participants must follow the timeline outlined above
• Participants must submit initial art concepts or vision description for approval before painting begins 
• Participants must have a name for their painted statue and a short description on what this statue and art work represents 
• Participants will be recognized for their work, but all statues will remain in ownership of Battleship IOWA

Become a Paws of Freedom Sponsor

Battleship IOWA invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to join the celebration by sponsoring a “Vicky the Dog” statue as part of our Paws of Freedom community art project.

Each statue represents a story of freedom, unity, and service — and your sponsorship helps make these stories come to life through art, youth engagement, and public display.

By sponsoring a statue, you not only support a meaningful community initiative — you also align your brand with patriotism, creativity, and civic pride during one of the most historic national celebrations of our time.

How to get involved
If you are interested in participating or sponsoring this campaign, please fill out the interest form here:

Accepting applications until January 3, 2026

Participants will be selected by Battleship IOWA committee no later than February 28, 2026