CLEVELAND -- Oxen are populating the Greater Cleveland landscape. Starting today, 21 fiberglass beauties customized by local artists will be on display at 21 locations. Photos 

This is the fourth year for this public art project by the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation. The project began with the "Year of the Dog," followed by the "Year of the Pig" and then the "Year of the Rat."

The Year of the Ox celebrates Cleveland's Asia Town community, the SCSDC's blossoming arts district and its thriving business community.

The Year of the Ox project also includes a variety of youth art and culture education programs and events throughout the year.

All 21 had been stored at the SCSDC offices before going to the Woolcraft Gallery for a one-night exhibition. They "hit the streets" today, going to their individual locations.

Here is the background on just a few of the oxen.

Artist Ron Hill and his wife, Margie created "I, Robotox" and it will be on display outside the Aircraft Building at 2530 Superior Avenue.

Click here to see Hill's creation up close and more photos of other oxen.

"Cleveland Ox," playing off the "Cleveland Rocks" theme, was sponsored by Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman and will take up residence at Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue.

Chardon High School student Veronica Zak was the artist for "Royal Ox," sponsored by the Consolidated Graphics Group and will reside at the Graphic Arts Center at 1614 East 40th Street.

There's a "Vincent Ox Gogh," a "Joxen Pollock," a "Vincent Van Ox" and a "Hugs & Kisses Ox," covered in O's and X's.

The "Hugs & Kisses" was created by artist Terri Snider for ASI International and will be on display outside Mitzi Jerman's Tavern at 3840 St. Clair Avenue.

One of the more interesting is the "Barack Ox," created by artist Willi Duck and sponsored by St. Martin de Porres High School. It will be displayed at 6111 Lausche Avenue. It has an American theme and features a portrait of President Barack Obama.

Wade Oval in University Circle will be home to "Vincent Ox Gogh," created by artist Milan Kecman and sponsored by Shorebank.

"Babe," the blue ox, was created by Cleveland artist Martin Boyle and was sponsored by Kocian Meats and will be at 4058 St. Clair Avenue.

Are you an ox? You are if you were born in the years 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997. The ox is steadfast and solid, a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things.

The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. In the Chinese calendar, the new year falls between late January and early February every year.

It was Jan. 26 this year.