10/22/2025
Silverton’s iconic Bobbie the Wonder Dog statues—a tribute to the town’s four-legged hero—are shining brighter than ever, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our talented
muralist and artist Kali Dirks.
Kali took on the monumental task of restoring both statues to address extensive damage to our beloved landmarks. The Palace Theatre statue sustained extensive damage after being knocked over, including a severed head and broken feet, and the Coffee Station statue required serious attention due to heavy weathering and deterioration from the elements. These were not simple repairs. Kali began by carefully scraping loose paint and removing inappropriate materials, including silicon and gummy putty, from both
statues. The Palace Theatre statue required specialized work, with Kali epoxying metal rods to reconnect and support the severely damaged head and feet. She then had to
learn to sculpt concrete to retexture Bobbie's fur and feet, as well as repair broken ears and missing pieces from both statues. Once the structural repairs were complete, both statues were thoroughly cleaned,
primed with a bonding agent, and meticulously repainted. Kali is now applying the final protective sealer. The restoration highlights Kali’s commitment and skill. She has put in
countless hours to ensure these tributes to our legendary traveler are preserved for years to come.
Both statues are expected to be back in their positions by the end of the month. Stop by and see the results!
