Drivers unfamiliar with Hutto may be pleasantly surprised when traveling throughout the town as they are met with hippo statues marking their territory on nearly every corner.

The city’s mascot has been showcased by business owners and residents alike since 2009.

Local resident and owner of Set in Stone Statuary Greg Ray helps Hutto and neighboring communities bond by serving as a hippo supplier through the business’ variety of statues.
Set in Stone Statuary has created statues for residents and businesses throughout the Hutto area with a total of 2,000 statues made worldwide. (Courtesy Set in Stone Statuary)
Set in Stone Statuary has created statues for residents and businesses throughout the Hutto area with a total of 2,000 statues made worldwide. (Courtesy Set in Stone Statuary)
How it started

After moving to the Hutto area in 2016, Ray said he was hoping to connect with the community by adding a hippo statue to his front yard, but he wasn’t satisfied with the offerings available at the time.

“I decided to go online and make one myself,” Ray said. “I went on eBay, bought this stuff—simple hippo molds and put the finished castings out in the yard.”


Ray’s wife posted the finished products on community Facebook groups and the pair was met with requests for statues throughout the neighborhood. What started as a small project which primarily sold products on special days, such as Mother’s Day and Christmas, has turned into a part-time business which sells statues to customers across the globe.
Owner Greg Ray started the business after moving to Hutto in 2016 and looking for more creative hippo statue options for his front yard. (Courtesy Set in Stone Statuary)
Owner Greg Ray started the business after moving to Hutto in 2016 and looking for more creative hippo statue options for his front yard. (Courtesy Set in Stone Statuary)
Diving in deeper

After gaining experience in the business, Ray decided he wanted to create his own designs rather than buying existing molds. He invested in 3D printers and worked with a 3D sculptor to create his own designs.

“Everything you see online that we sell you won’t find anywhere else, because that’s how unique our business is,” Ray said.

Taking the creative process a step further, the business can custom paint sculptures to fulfill client requests including Marvel characters and sports team designs. 3D accessories can be added to statues such as hats and bows.
The business also makes personalized memorial statues. (Courtesy Set in Stone Statuary)
The business also makes personalized memorial statues. (Courtesy Set in Stone Statuary)
Additionally, customers are able to work directly with Ray to create their specific statue vision if they aren’t interested in a pre-designed, molded statue. Beyond hippo statues, clients can work with the business to create memorial statues.


Customers can visit the business’ location by making an appointment.

Respecting the craft

Ray estimates the business has sold approximately 2,000 hippo statues since its founding. Despite the long nights he experiences to work on the business, Ray said the customer experience makes it worth it.

“I really enjoy seeing the customer reactions and bringing what they envision to life,” Ray said. “I’ve always liked being creative. That’s kind of what keeps me driven to keep doing this.”