• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Presidential!We Are Generous!We Are Having Fun!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Cardinal Projects Highlight Local Artists, People and Pride

By Wendy Weichenthal on January 22, 2024

From first responders to Marion County’s only NFL team, the 17 cardinal statues celebrate local artists, history and community pride. The project, which was years in the making, continues to be popular with locals and visitors alike.

A cardinal statue stands in front of a Fire Dept.

“This project is a way to showcase the incredible talent of local artists, highlight Marion history and culture, and enhance the city streetscape all at the same time,” said Dean Jacob, who organized the Cardinal Project on behalf of Downtown Marion, Inc.

A white man with short white and gray hair, a big smile, a yellow shirt and a blue striped tie.
Dean Jacob

It was a labor of love. Local artists submitted designs in 2017. The winners hand-painted their designs on the fiberglass sculptures. Private donations by 17 local individuals and organizations, plus a grant from Marion Community Foundation, paid for the installation of these attractions, which bring visitors to downtown Marion.

Cardinal Project Reception 

“They are all beautiful,” said Carolyn Robbins.

“I love it! It is a boost for tourism for sure. It is a great addition to Marion,” said Bev Ford, director of the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “Last week, eight people came to pick up maps to check out cardinals despite the cold. Another woman requested 15 maps for her family. People regularly stop by to check out the cardinals.”

A cardinal with deisgns of stars, owls, flowers, and feathers stands.
Photo credit: Marion Community Foundation

“I love seeing lots of people exploring the downtown and searching out the cardinals. Public art is important and helps add to the downtown vibe,” said Luke Henry, downtown business owner and developer.

“What a wonderful idea to enhance the Marion community! I have always loved it when other communities have done this,” said Rebecca Leedom.

“The other day, I saw a Harding student had his senior picture taken next to one,” Jacob said.

Cardinal Project Origins

The cardinal represents the state bird. Seventeen statues were created because Ohio was the 17th state to enter the Union.

The Cardinal Project was a collaboration of Downtown Marion, Inc., the city of Marion, the Marion County commissioners, downtown businesses and organizations, and the Marion Community Foundation.

Swamp Fox Cardinal
The cardinal in front of Heritage Hall, 169 E. Center Street, was designed by artist Lou Graziani in honor of General Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox.”

Local artist Merle Randolph of Marion created the prototype for the cardinals but died in 2019. While the pandemic delayed the installation, the first statues were installed in 2021. The last cardinal was installed in Founders Park on Main Street in November 2023.

While other cities have made animal statues temporary installations, the cardinals are intended to remain for years.

“The cardinals will stay there as long as Downtown Marion, Inc. believes they’re bringing art, color and conversation to the downtown,” Jacob said.

For more information: 

The complete list of the cardinals, the artists and the sponsors as well as a walking map are available on the Marion Convention and Visitors Bureau website: visitmarionohio.com.

Printed maps are available at the CVB office at 198 W. Center Street.

For questions, contact the CVB at (800) 371-6688. 

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College. 

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Marion’s First Baby of 2017

    Marion’s first baby of 2017 was born at 1:50 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Preston Carter Osborne was welcomed into the world as the first baby born at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital in 2017. Preston was born to Jeffrey and Ashely Osborne. Preston weighed in at eight pounds, three ounces and was 21 1/2 inches […]Read More »
  • Harding Memorial

    HARDING MEMORIAL CONTINUES TO CAPTIVATE AFTER NEARLY A CENTURY Marionites all know that special location for photos. Among the many attractive backdrops in Marion, the Harding Memorial is one of the popular places to make photographic memories. Although the Memorial provides the ability to capture those proud moments in time, it conveys a most endearing […]Read More »
  • Rick Shirk

    SHIRK’S HOMEMADE CANDIES: MARION’S GENERATIONAL CHOCOLATIERS.  . It all started with a dream and a sweet tooth. Everyone’s favorite treat was introduced to Marion by long-time resident and new entrepreneur, Bert Shirk. Following his dream to be an independent business man, Bert purchased The Caramel Crisp Shop in downtown Marion in 1932 and soon began […]Read More »
  • Cummins Facility Services

    CUMMINS FACILITY SERVICES: CLEANING UP LIFE’S MESSES. Cummins Facility Services (CFS) has been part of the fabric of the Marion business community since 1972, when Ron and Myra Cummins got their start providing janitorial services to local area businesses. Forty-five years later and CFS still calls Marion home; but, under the leadership of Ron and […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image