By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Aug. 23, 2001
Artists have until Sept. 15 to submit designs for painting fiberglass carousel horses that eventually will be placed around Meridian as part of a public art project.
Once the design is approved, artists will have until Feb. 15 to finish painting the horses.
Debbie Martin, manager of Cartmell Gallery, announced the deadlines at a news conference Wednesday to unveil plans for the "Around Town Carousels Abound" program.
At least 12 horses, painted by artists whose designs will be approved by a special committee, will be installed early next year throughout Meridian.
Martin said the Meridian Airport Authority, one of nine sponsors already involved with the project, will have the horse it is sponsoring at the airport. Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith said he is looking forward to having horses at City Hall and at Union Station.
Sponsorship of a carousel horse is $2,500. The cost covers installation, and a $250 stipend for the artist, as well as a plaque naming the horse, its artist and the sponsor. For more information, call Martin at 485-1122.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.