The Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau has taken the first steps to create an art trail featuring sculptures of the city’s namesake fruit.

The project, named Pear-Scape, will include 4-foot fiberglass pear sculptures painted by local artists. The sculptures will be located in city parks and other highly visible areas of Pearland as determined by a project committee, according to officials.

“Our goal is to promote tourism and cultural arts within Pearland,” PCVB Executive Director Kim Sinistore said. “We’ve created a committee of organizations comprised of public, not-for-profit and private businesses who support the mission to promote cultural tourism and community pride, ultimately bringing more visitors to Pearland.”

The PCVB is partnering with the Pearland Arts League and Pearland Alliance for Arts & Culture to solicit designs for the project. Artists must be Texas residents who are at least 16 years old. Up to three designs may be submitted per person.

The city’s hotel occupancy tax funded the initial 20 pear sculptures. Community sponsorship will offset installation, artist stipends and related costs, PCVB officials said. Early sponsors will be able to select a location and design.

In an effort to further enhance scenery along the trail, Keep Pearland Beautiful will plant a variety of trees to accompany some of the sculptures.

“We’re very proud to be associated with the Pear-Scape project and see it as a great opportunity to work with the local community to beautify Pearland and elevate nature and art,” KPB Executive Director Andrew Miller said.