- September 18, 2024
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It was three decades ago when Sarasota's iconic Mermaid Fountain was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution's Registry of Public Art Sculptures.
Obviously, a lot of people thought a celebration was overdue.
On Sept. 13, Paul N. Thorpe J. Park, at the intersection of Pineapple and Lemon avenues, was filled with those who wanted to be part of the special ceremony hosted by the city to honor the fountain and its artist, Nancy Goodheart Matthews of Bradenton.
Mary Davis Wallace, the public art manager for the city of Sarasota, called the turnout “incredible."
“It turns out very few cities are mentioned as part of the Smithsonian's collection of public art,” Matthews told attendees. “It put Sarasota in a rarefied company.”
The fountain was added in 1995.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Liz Alpert, Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and Commissioner Debbie Trice.
“Through restorations, renovations, storms and the inevitable changes that occur over the span of three decades, this fountain, with all of its magical creatures, is a beloved landmark of our city, a true testament to Sarasota's dedication to the arts and to the city's public spaces," Alpert said.
A new plaque now acknowledges the Smithsonian Institution's actions.
Matthews was commissioned by the city to design the fountain for the park, and architect Russell Moore had been commissioned to build it.
Designed with Bas-Relief imagery, the fountain takes its name from its south-facing panel, a depiction of a mermaid with arms outstretched, bordered by two dolphins.
The north-facing side portrays the tree of life as well as Florida’s native flora and fauna.
The fountain also boasts other ceramic images including 30 panels, and images in the pool basins and on the surrounding sidewalks.
During the event, Matthews took the opportunity to recount the creation of the artwork.
It took her about nine months in her studio to produce the panels, each of which had to be fired three times.
Because clay shrinks as it dries, the initial sculptures had to be 5 percent larger than the end result, which still had to fit the fountain's 12 waterspouts.
Matthews transported the carvings to Sarasota in the trunk of her car and stored them nearby, after which she installed them over a period of three months.
She said she has many memories of the installation, including passersby bring her water and iced coffee.
“On my first day, two kids on bicycles threw rocks at my head when I was up on a ladder," she said. "A homeless man saw this, and from then on, he and his friends kept guard while I worked. There were no more incidents.”
She also recounted an incident where a woman told her the fountain gave her "much joy" and that she wanted to offer something in return.
“Her face grew solemn, and she began to sing to me,” Matthews said. “She was a Russian contralto, such a voice. I couldn't believe what was happening. In moments, I was moved to tears. It was so very beautiful.”
The woman, who Matthews never saw again, also offered her a straw woven headband.
Since the fountain’s completion, it has continued to be appreciated, Matthews said, stating she has received a stream of letters and postcards from tourists in the area.
However, there were still times when its future had been in question.
In 2003, the park was bisected by a road.
However, sidewalk vignettes in the path of construction were removed, and then were auctioned off in support of the fountain's maintenance by the late Allyn Gallup of Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery, while the fountain was also supported through a donation by developer Sam Hamad in 2005.
In 2018, Matthews said, the City Commission discussed removing the park entirely, to make way for a 10-story commercial building. However, she said an outpouring of support, including the advocacy of downtown resident Barbara Campo, resulted in the fountain being saved.
It received an extensive restoration, paving the way for the celebration.
“I never dreamed it could happen like this," Matthews said. "It's amazing. It's quite an honor to have the Smithsonian involved."
"The fountain is a portal to Nancy, to her soul, and she's a really special individual," said attendee Nicole Perez.
