Walk past the City Library in Tooele, Utah, and you’ll find more than just books. You’ll discover a striking new piece of public art standing proud at the corner of 150 West and Vine Street: a vividly painted buffalo sculpture created by local artist Marla Love and sponsored by Chartway Credit Union.

This statue is more than decorative – it’s symbolic. It tells a story of unity, creativity, and commitment. It’s a visible reminder of what’s possible when local government, artists, and community partners come together with purpose.

Celebrating the 10th Buffalo in Tooele’s Public Art Series

Chartway’s sculpture is the tenth in a growing herd installed as part of the Tooele City Historic Main Street Buffalo Art Initiative. Launched in 2022, the initiative will beautify downtown, promote economic vitality, and engage residents and visitors through the arts.

Tooele Mayor Debbie Winn welcomed the crowd at the unveiling ceremony on May 19, noting: “We started this program to bring more people downtown and promote the arts, and we are just thrilled that Chartway has decided to participate. From the minute they arrived in Tooele, they’ve supported our community – beginning with a $50,000 donation to repair vandalized lights at one of our baseball fields. Without that donation, I don’t know when those lights would have ever been repaired. Chartway brought light back to our ball fields, and they continue to support our community in meaningful ways.”

A Design Steeped in Symbolism and Soul

Chartway’s buffalo was designed and painted by Marla Love, art director at Art Heart SLC Studio and Gallery. With deep ties to the Utah arts community, Love brought her signature vision and passion to the project.

“The Chartway Credit Union buffalo is a mixture of community, love, and art,” said Love. “Tooele has beautiful features – the mountains, the landscapes, the Bonneville Salt Flats. I brought all of that to the buffalo. The front features a celestial day sky with Chartway’s blues, and the back fades into a starry night. It’s a yin and yang - light and dark, love and resilience – like life in this community.”

Love spent seven weeks painting the sculpture, and she described the experience as deeply personal.

“I spent hours with this baby,” she said. “It was a beautiful opportunity – not just for me, but for so many people who helped bring it to life. And it only happened because Chartway supported us. Supporting art isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And Chartway’s support uplifts local artists, families, and kids.”

A Partnership with Purpose

The unveiling brought together Chartway leadership, city officials, and community members. Among them was Chartway President & CEO Brian Schools, who spoke about the impetus behind the partnership.

“Our team members in Tooele introduced us to the initiative,” said Schools. “We’re honored to be part of this community and to celebrate it in meaningful ways – and this buffalo is a creative symbol of our commitment.”

The buffalo’s home in front of the Tooele City Library wasn’t chosen by chance. Library Director Chase Randall noted the art adds both beauty and meaning to a building that’s long served as a hub for learning and connection. “I’m thrilled to bring a little more beauty here. It’s a 25-year-old building, and this buffalo helps make it a place where people want to linger,” said Randall.

Where to Find Tooele’s Buffalo Herd

The Chartway-sponsored buffalo joins nine others across downtown, each uniquely designed and sponsored by local organizations. You can find them here:

  • Tooele Chamber of Commerce – 154 S. Main Street
  • Tooele Pioneer Museum – 47 E. Vine Street
  • Fallen Sky Stone – 15 N. Main Street
  • Veterans Memorial Park – Main & Vine Streets
  • Tooele County Health Department – 151 N. Main Street
  • Merc Plaza – 28 N. Main Street
  • Jim’s Family Restaurant – 281 N. Main Street
  • Tooele Marketplace & Asylum 49 – 140 E. 200 South
  • Tooele City Hall – 90 N. Main Street

Each buffalo is sponsored annually by a local organization, with proceeds funding ongoing downtown revitalization projects.

Why It Matters

At Chartway, we’re not only proud to serve members in Tooele, Utah – we’re invested in helping communities across the state thrive. With more than $3 billion in assets and over 260,000 members, Chartway has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions and named a Top Credit Union to Work For by American Banker. But it’s not the accolades that define us – it’s how we show up.

Visit, Snap, and Share

If you live in or visit the area, we hope you’ll stop by the Tooele City Library, take a photo with the Chartway buffalo, and spend time reflecting on what makes this community and its people so special. Better yet, make it a day of discovery and visit each buffalo along the trail.

Learn more about Chartway Credit Union at chartway.com and explore how we’re investing in the people and places we proudly serve.