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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. 

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