Help fund fish sculpture

VERMILION — Public Art Vermilion, a program of Main Street Vermilion, recently announced that plans have been finalized to add a fun, interactive sculpture to the newly revitalized Showse Park playground. Public Art Vermilion's advisory board "is happy to unveil the plans for this piece, which will be a welcome, playful, climbable addition to the park," said Marilou Suszko, chair of Public Art Vermilion. "We've been working on moving this project forward since last year." Anticipated for installation this coming spring the fish — standing at 5 feet, 6 inches in height and extending 20 feet long — is the design of Virginia Kistler of Gahanna, Ohio. Kistler is an interdisciplinary artist with more than 20 years of experience designing interactives for children's museums and science centers. "Virginia's design was one our advisory board discovered three years ago," Suszko said. When the Showse Park renovation began, members on the advisory board believed the fish sculpture "was the perfect compliment," the statement read. Sean Mercer, of Mercer Works in Kent, Ohio, was recently selected to fabricate the piece. Mercer has designed and fabricated installations for Kent as well as in the Cleveland Public Library. He's working on a collaborative installation for a new Dior store in New York City, which will appear in the upcoming film "The Devil Wears Prada 2." "We're honored to have such talented people involved in this project," Suszko said. The fish sculpture is another Public Art Vermilion project to benefit the community. Other similar initiatives include the postcard project, the buoy tree Project, tiny art galleries and "Aboard," an interactive sculpture at Main Street Park. "We believe that the fish sculpture is a fun and lively symbol of what the Showse Park revitalization is all about," said Jeff Lucas, a Vermilion city councilman who's a part of the committee spearheading these efforts. "It brings fresh energy, creativity and community pride to our lakefront gem, blends art and play in a way that makes the park more vibrant, more meaningful and uniquely Vermilion," Lucas said. "We are so excited for this addition to the Showse project." Fund the fish Cost for the fish sculpture is estimated at $40,000, and funding will come from grants, Public Art Vermilion and Let's Fund the Fish, a community fundraising effort with a goal of $16,000. "Our most important goal is to make sure everyone knows and feels that they can be a part of making this project happen," Suszko said."Showse Park is for everyone's use, the fish should be enjoyed by all and built by all. Whether you give $1 or $100, your support makes a difference." People can visit mainstreetvermilion.org/pavfish to contribute toward this project. Donations can also be dropped off at Main Street Vermilion, 685 Main St., Vermilion. Cash or checks made out to Public Art Vermilion. "If donating isn't possible right now, you can still help by spreading the word and sharing the campaign," Suszko said. "Every act of support matters." Many community members expressed their support for the project. This would include those living in Vermilion on the Lake: • Lou Primozic: It's about creating a space where families gather, stories are shared, and the community feels seen and celebrated. • Doug Benford: The sculpture emphasizes the new spirit taking over the Vermilion on the Lake: neighborhood and at-large community. It's a one-of-a-kind treasure, one that invites everyone to touch, feel and play. People can receive more information by contacting Suszko at pav@mainstreetvermilion.org or 440-963-0772.