Celebrating 30 Years of Sarasota's Iconic Mermaid Fountain
Tonight, Sarasota celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Mermaid Fountain, sculpted by Nancy Goodheart Matthews, at Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park. This beloved fountain has been a symbol of artistic expression and community spirit, recently earning a place in the Smithsonian's national public art collection.
A Labor of Love
In her first public art project, Matthews showed unwavering dedication, spending a year hand-carving the fountain's intricate details under the Sarasota sun. The twin-facing fountain, originally named L'Aria della Figlia Muta, quickly became known for its unique features of a central mermaid sculpture, dolphins and flowers on one side, and the Tree of Life, woodland creatures, and mosaics on the other.
A Fountain for the Imagination
The fountain, restored in 2017, remains a beloved landmark, inspiring locals with its beauty and whimsy. This restoration was a true community effort, with locals coming together to ensure the fountain's beauty was preserved. "Art is for everyone," says Matthews. "We need to celebrate what's beautiful here in Sarasota." The restoration, a testament to the community's love for art, ensures that this symbol of artistic expression and community spirit will continue to inspire for years to come.
Sources: various
Photo by Brian Hutson
