The cardinals are coming to Marion and they need your help! Artists from throughout Marion City and County are encouraged to submit a design to bring these birds to life. Envisioned and led by Dean Jacob, president and CEO of Marion Community Foundation and lifelong resident of Marion, along with a team of interested community members, this grassroots art project sponsored by Downtown Marion, Inc., will be the first of its kind in Marion, Ohio.
The birds, designed to promote community pride, will help to enhance the city streetscape and will be placed at various locations along Center, Church, and Main Streets in the Downtown area. The statues are all being created and donated by local sculptor and artist, Merle Randolph. There will be 17 cardinals in total, a nod to Ohio being the 17th state, and each cardinal will be 6 feet tall by 5 feet long.
The designs for the cardinals are fair game for the artists’ imagination, with themes relating to local landmarks, local history, famous local people, Ohio history, patriotism, Ohio and Marion pop culture. With the financial support of the Marion Rotary Club and many other community partners donating their time, talent, and materials, the goal is to have these State of Ohio birds placed throughout the downtown later this year.
If you or someone you know would like to submit an artistic design for consideration, this is your chance to have your artwork on permanent display downtown. Artist’s Design Packets are available online at downtownmarion.com. All entries must be submitted to either Downtown Marion, Inc., Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, or Marion Community Foundation by no later than 5pm on April 30, 2017. The rules have also been expanded; those intending to enter the design contest should revisit downtownmarion.com for the revised Artist’s Design Packet.
