MOUNT VERNON — Twenty-seven dog-fountain-inspired artworks from 16 community
artists are on display at the Schnormeier Gallery.
The Dog Fountain Exhibit is the Friends of South Main Plaza’s free community art show. It runs through Aug. 28 at the Schnormeier Gallery. The exhibit celebrates the fifth anniversary of downtown Mount Vernon’s beloved dog fountain.
The special community anniversary celebration also involves an additional fountain-inspired exhibit in the making at The Annex.
Community members can visit, create their dog masterpieces, and place them around a large watercolor fountain created by Annex instructor and professional painter Jim Leitz.
This free community art show honors the whimsical spirit of South Main Plaza, home to hand-painted, cast aluminum sculptures of 18 dogs, one cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, an apple, and the cherished golden dog bone.
Midwestern Traveler Magazine recently voted Mount Vernon’s dog fountain as “2025 Best City Street Art in Ohio.”
Residents and visitors have gathered over the past five years at the joyful community hub for friendly conversation, memorable photos, and creative inspiration.
The Schnormeier Gallery, The Annex, and the Ariel Foundation — partners in the Friends of South Main Plaza initiative — collaborated to make the exhibit possible.
The partners give special recognition to Phil and Mary Samuell of Gambier, the original visionaries behind the fountain.
Inspired by the late Claude Cormier, the internationally renowned landscape architect who designed the original Dog Fountain in Toronto’s Berczy Park, the Samuells brought their dream to life in Mount Vernon through a unique community partnership.
About the Schormeier Gallery
Located at 221 S. Main St. on the first floor of MVNU’s Buchwald Center, the Schnormeier Gallery is dedicated to showcasing diverse artistic expressions. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m., Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience the transformative power of art in this vibrant community space. For more information, contact the Schnormeier Gallery at artgallery@mvnu.edu.
About The Annex
The Annex is located in a restored storefront at 12 E. Gambier St. It is an extension of Kenyon College’s teaching museum, The Gund. Through programs informed by The Gund’s growing permanent collection, we reimagine what it means to “learn with art” as a community.
Neighbors, families, students, and lifelong learners are invited to discover new connections to art, ideas, and each other through free workshops, creative activities, and events. For more information, visit www.thegund.org/the-annex.
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