Just behind the bus stop on Granby Street near Depaul Hospital lies a decorative mermaid. It is a magical creature of the ocean, that has adorned the city of Norfolk since 2000. Peter Decker an attorney in Norfolk introduced the mythical sculptures to signal the "new" Norfolk. Decker's wife Bess got the idea from a trip to Chicago in celebration of Cows on Parade.
Many sponsors and artist came aboard as the project progressed, to create the mermaids. Various sights around the city, schools, hospitals, parks and a multitude of other focal points display the colorful sculptures. Progress and popularity allowed the mermaids to venture out to places beyond the city limits of Norfolk. Each statue carried the spirit of the city, and the theme the "new" Norfolk with it. Once it reached a new destination, a new artist decorated the mermaid to reflect a different theme.
Each mermaid is a distinct work of art with bright colors, glazes, and interesting faces to reflect the diversity of Norfolk's neighborhoods. The mermaids come in many mediums, metal sculptures, jewelry, posters, calendars, and many other categories to enjoy. www.norfolk.gov
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