Public Art Vermilion, a program under Main Street Vermilion, has announced finalized plans to install an interactive fish sculpture at the newly renovated Showse Park playground. The community initiative, called "Let's Fund the Fish," aims to raise $16,000 as part of the $40,000 total project cost for the unique art installation scheduled for spring installation.

The impressive sculpture, designed by Virginia Kistler of Gahanna, Ohio, will stand 5 feet 6 inches tall and extend 20 feet in length, creating a climbable and interactive play structure for children and families. Kistler brings over 20 years of experience as an interdisciplinary artist specializing in interactive designs for children's museums and science centers across the country.

"Our 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." Suszko revealed that the advisory board discovered Kistler's design three years ago and determined it would be the perfect complement when the Showse Park renovation began.

Sean Mercer of Mercer Works in Kent, Ohio, has been selected to fabricate the sculpture. Mercer brings impressive credentials to the project, having designed and fabricated installations for the city of Kent and the Cleveland Public Library. He is currently working on a collaborative installation for a new Dior store in New York City, which will be featured in the upcoming film "The Devil Wears Prada 2."

"We're honored to have such talented people involved in this project," Suszko emphasized. The fish sculpture represents another significant Public Art Vermilion initiative designed to benefit the community, joining other successful projects including the postcard project, the buoy tree project, tiny art galleries, and "Aboard," an interactive sculpture located at Main Street Park.

Vermilion City Councilman Jeff Lucas, who serves on the committee spearheading the revitalization efforts, expressed enthusiasm for the project's community impact. "We believe that the fish sculpture is a fun and lively symbol of what the Showse Park revitalization is all about," Lucas said. "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."

The $40,000 project cost will be covered through a combination of grants, Public Art Vermilion funding, and the community-driven "Let's Fund the Fish" campaign targeting $16,000 in local donations. Suszko stressed the importance of community involvement, stating, "Our most important goal is to make sure everyone knows and feels that they can be a part of making this project happen. 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."

Community members can contribute to the project by visiting mainstreetvermilion.org/pavfish or by dropping off cash donations or checks made out to Public Art Vermilion at Main Street Vermilion, located at 685 Main Street in Vermilion. For those unable to donate financially, Suszko encouraged spreading awareness of the campaign, noting that "every act of support matters."

Local residents have already expressed strong support for the initiative. Lou Primozic, a Vermilion on the Lake resident, described the project as "creating a space where families gather, stories are shared, and the community feels seen and celebrated." Fellow resident Doug Benford emphasized that "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."

For additional information about the fish sculpture project or to get involved in the fundraising effort, community members can contact Marilou Suszko at pavmainstreetvermilion.org or by calling 440-963-0772. The spring installation timeline depends on successful fundraising completion and favorable weather conditions for the construction process.