San Marcos Arts Commission Seeking Artists To Help Create New Mermaid March

San Marcos, TX — The San Marcos Arts Commission is seeking interested artists to submit proposals and renderings depicting the ways they would reinterpret one of the of 10 new 7’ mermaid forms that will be placed around town in 2017 by the City. The Commission is sponsoring the new Mermaid March as part of its commitment to continue installing public art throughout the community.

The Arts Commission plans to send out its request for proposals (RFP) to area artists shortly; however, applications are also be available online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/arts  or in person at the Grant Harris Building, 401 E. Hopkins St. The deadline for interested artists to submit proposals is Jan. 30, 2017. An example of one of the Mermaid forms will be available for artists to see/touch by mid-January.

Much like the guitars in Austin and more recently, the cowboy boots in Wimberley, the Mermaid March will a feature a single form, developed by the Commission for interested artists to reimagine and then display throughout the San Marcos community. The end result will provide residents and visitors with another opportunity to enjoy and interact with public art.  Upon completing its initial installation, the Commission plans to seek sponsors and additional artists to launch a second wave of Mermaids.

The March is being developed to further elevate the arts in San Marcos, while at the same time honoring our heritage by commemorating our original mermaids — the Aquamaids of Aquarena Springs. The City Council approved the Commission’s design to create ten identical 7’ fiberglass Mermaid forms earlier this year. The forms will be made available to artists selected by a special committee appointed by the Commission for display throughout downtown San Marcos.

The new project is being funded through the Arts Commission’s permanent art funds, which are made up from Hotel Occupancy Tax funds targeted for the arts each year.

“The Arts Commission is thrilled to be bringing this type of playful and interactive public art project to the community,” said Clay DeStefano, former Chair of Arts Commission and current chair of the Mermaid March Subcommittee. “We’re grateful to our friends in the Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance for helping us get a running start by sharing all their information, vendors and lessons learned with us.”

For more information, please contact Lisa Morris, Recreation Programs Manager at lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov or call the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department at 512.393.8400.