• 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 Generous!We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!
  • 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

  • LaRue Team Led By the Athlete of the Century

    When a LaRue businessman was looking to make a splash, Walter Lingo bought a National Football League franchise for $100 and hired a man called “the greatest athlete in the world” at the 1912 Olympics. Jim Thorpe won two gold medals and set a world record which stood for decades. “It’s just like if [Lionel] […]Read More »
  • K9 Viking

    During the month of October we are highlighting information about the K9 units of Marion County. The dogs are trained to conduct building and large area searches for hidden criminals, tracking lost persons and criminals, article/evidence searches, and narcotics detection. Though this is a light-hearted interview — asking questions as if the dogs have voices […]Read More »
  • Local Family Navigates Tough Times Together

    Ernst Stuckey’s family had moved to Prospect in the 1880s. The family-owned a meat market near the train tracks next to the fire station. His father, John, and his brother, Rudolph, were butchers and firemen. His sister, Emma, taught English at the local German school. Ernst met his wife, Ella, while they worked summer jobs […]Read More »
  • Merle & Peg Hamilton

    Centenarian A. Merle Hamilton, life-long Marion resident and noted philanthropist, and his wife, Peg, created an enduring legacy in Marion.  During their lifetimes – 93 years for her and 101 for him — the Hamiltons demonstrated their belief in Marion and its people. Merle, or “Ham,” as he was commonly known, will be remembered for […]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