Dog-fountain-inspired community art exhibit announced for Mount Vernon’s South Main Plaza

MOUNT VERNON — The Friends of South Main Plaza announce a call for community artwork to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Mount Vernon’s beloved South Main Plaza Dog Fountain.

Dog-fountain-inspired artwork is sought for a free community exhibition celebrating the whimsical nature of South Main Plaza. The plaza features hand-painted cast aluminum sculptures of 18 dogs, one cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, an apple, and the cherished golden dog bone. 

Community members and visitors have gathered there for five years to create memories and capture this special gathering place through various art forms. Artists of all ages are invited to share their special creations in a free community art show appropriately named the Dog Fountain Exhibit set to run from July 28 to August 28.

The community can view the artworks at The Annex and Schnormeier Gallery in downtown Mount Vernon, beside South Main Plaza.

To learn more about the Dog Fountain Exhibit and submit online artwork proposals, visit https://mvnu.edu/south-main-plaza/artwork/. The deadline for submission of proposals is July 1.

Artwork submitted by those under age 18 must have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian upon acceptance into the exhibition.

Friends of South Main Plaza is a partnership of Schnormeier Gallery, The Annex, and Ariel Foundation. The groups work together to create programming in celebration of the fifth anniversary of South Main Plaza.

In addition, Phil and Mary Samuell of Gambier are recognized as the true dog fountain visionaries and original ‘friends’ who were inspired by the work of the late Claude Cormier, the world-renowned landscape architect who created the original dog fountain in Toronto’s Berczy Park.

The Samuells partnered with the community to develop this art-inspired, special gathering place in the heart of Mount Vernon’s downtown.