The Cardinal Project is a public art initiative of Downtown Marion, Inc.
This project comes as an effort of Downtown Marion, Inc., led by Cardinal Project Committee Chair, Dean Jacob.
The Cardinal is Ohio’s state bird. With Ohio as the 17th state admitted to the Union, a total of 17 birds will be installed throughout downtown Marion. To date, 16 of 17 are in the permanent locations.
The idea of placing animal sculptures as a public art display in Marion first came to Jacob from seeing the Chicago “Cows on Parade” statues and from other similar public art projects around the country.
To get the project started, Jacob worked to secure 13 local artists who pitched in with ideas, supplies, and time to create the cardinal. A 5-foot-tall, reinforced fiberglass figure, the cardinal statues are painted in a variety of colors and themes; some feature local attractions and highlight Marion’s historic landmarks, while others are artistic interpretations. Each statue features a plaque detailing the sponsor, designer, and painter of the art installation while telling the story of each Cardinal’s design.
The final statue is displayed inside The Guild front window in downtown Marion until it can be mounted in the outdoor location at Founders Park. Park renovations are planned, and upon completion of the park upgrades, the statue will be installed.
This project was generously funded through private individual donations and organization sponsorships; with half the funding provided by a Marion Community Foundation grant. Artists’ time and talent were also donated to accomplish the project.
Cardinal Statues in Marion
The 17 designs selected by the committee were imagined by 13 local artists:
Amanda Adkins, Lou Graziani, Andrea Johnston, Ben Kern, Dianne Krumnow, Bobbi Lapushansky, Annette Montis, Jane W. Nelson, William Obenour, Linda L. Smith, Kevin Tackett, Kelly Taylor, and Cindy Wood. Their designs honor first responders, spotlight Marion landmarks, recall Marion history, and showcase purely artistic impressions.
1. Zenburda
Located in Busby Park
on the corner of Prospect & Center Streets
Artist: Diane Krumnow
Sponsors:
Carroll’s Jewelers
In memory of Linda Thurston and Marion Community Foundation
2. Impression: Cardinal
Located in Founders Park
on the corner of Main & Church Streets
Artist: Ben Kern
Sponsors:
Dean & Sue Jacob
and Marion Community Foundation
3. Celebrating the Women of Marion
Located at the Harding Centre
267 West Center Street
Design: Andrea Johnston
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Sponsors: Lois J. Fisher & Associates and Family
and Marion Community Foundation
“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,” – Dean Jacob, project organizer
4. Magical Gem
Located at the Marion Palace Theatre
276 West Center Street
Artist: Jane Nelson
Sponsors:
Fogle Farms – Kit, Lori, Abigail & Alexis
and Marion Community Foundation
5. Gen. Francis Marion, The “Swamp Fox”
Located at Heritage Hall
169 East Church Street
Artist: Lou Graziani
Sponsor:
Marion Rotary Club
6. Life in Pieces
Located at The Explore-It-Torium
244 South Main Street
Artist: Linda L. Smith
Sponsors:
Dr. Jay & Janice Moodley
and Marion Community Foundation
7. Marion County Courthouse
Located at the Marion County Courthouse
on the corner of Main & Center Streets
Artist: Kevin Tackett
Sponsors:
Kevin & Ruth Smith
and Marion Community Foundation
8. Marion’s Peacekeepers
Located at Marion City Hall
233 West Center Street
Indoor Installation
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Sponsors: Steve Young FOP Memorial Lodge 24 of Marion
and Marion Community Foundation
“Cardinals” are trending on social media and downtown business owners are seeing a noticeable increase in foot traffic from people coming downtown specifically to seek out the cardinals.
“I love seeing lots of people exploring the downtown and searching out the new cardinals. Public art is important and helps add to the downtown vibe.” – Luke Henry, downtown business owner and developer
9. Marion County Fair
Located at the Marion County Administration Building
222 West Center Street
Design: Cindy Wood
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Sponsors:
Friends of Agriculture
and Marion Community Foundation
10. Seasons of a Buckeye
Located at United Church Homes
170 East Center Street
Design: Kelly Taylor
Artist: Ben Kern
Sponsors:
United Church Homes
and Marion Community Foundation
Special Thanks
- Mayor Scott Shertzer
- City of Marion
- Marion County Commissioners
- Trophies & More (plaques)
- Dan Kelly Stump Grinding
- Dave Neidhart’s Stump Removal
- Zach Wheeler (logo & graphic design)
- Lori Stevenson (promotion)
11. Blue Skies Over Marion
Located at Fahey Banking Company
127 North Main Street
Artist: William Obenour
Sponsors: United Way of North Central Ohio,
Housing Coalition 2020,
and Marion Community Foundation
12. Fire Bird
Located at Marion City Fire Station #1
186 South Prospect Street
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Sponsors:
Marion Local Firefighters 379
and Marion Community Foundation
Project Thanks
- Installation: Mike Brown & Baldauf Construction
- Tommy Cantrell & Integrity Home Improvments
- Tri Rivers Career Center Construction Trades Academy
- J&M Concrete
- Cy & Julie Prettyman
- Design & Fabrication: FAST Fiberglass, LLC of Sparta, WI
- Clear Coating: Herb’s Body Shop
- PPG
13. My Feathered Friend
Located at the OhioHealth Building
165 West Center Street
Design: Bobbi Lapushansky
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Sponsors:
OhioHealth Marion General Hospital
and Marion Community Foundation
14. Good Olde Marion Town
Located at Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
198 West Center Street
Design: Annette Montis
Artist: Jane Nelson
Sponsors:
Sims Brothers Recycling
and Marion Community Foundation
Thank you to these generous project sponsors
Taking Flight Sponsor:
Marion Community Foundation
Red Wing Sponsor:
Marion Rotary Club (General Francis Marion, “Swamp Fox”)
Feathered Friend Sponsors:
15. Cardinal of Carnations
Located at the Fisher Building
107 North Main Street
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Sponsors:
Jeff & Amy Baldauf
and Marion Community Foundation
16. Oorang Indians
Located at the southwest corner of State and Center Streets
Artist: Kevin Tackett
Sponsors: Holbrook & Manter CPAs
H&M Financial Advisors, LLC
and Marion Community Foundation
17. Redbird
Located at the northwest corner of Church and Vine Streets
Artist: Annette Montis
Sponsors:
First Citizens National Bank
and Marion Community Foundation
Designers & Artists
Routed Walking Map
View a routed walking map of the Cardinal statues in locations throughout Downtown Marion.
Printed maps are available at the Marion Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
