By Venice Art Center
FantaSea Venice is a public arts project in which the Venice Art Center partnered with FantaSea Venice Sponsors and FantaSea Artists to create unique designs for 22 fiberglass mermaids and 30 fiberglass seahorses. These one-of-a-kind sculptures will be adorned by the most talented artists in our region. The Venice Art Center matched sponsors to artists and a plaque will be placed at the base of each sculpture to indicate the name of the sponsor, artist, and the sculpture’s individual name. The sculptures will appear in approved locations around Venice, Florida on city streets, parks, lobbies, businesses, etc. until early March of 2023. There will also be multiple public activities, fundraisers, and entertaining events associated with this project.
FantaSea Venice will be the third public art display of this nature that the Venice Art Center has produced. These events are modeled after “Cows on Parade,” which occurred in Chicago in 1999. Hundreds of cities followed suit with similar campaigns, and each experienced an increase in tourism, individual business revenue, and community participation.
The 2004-2005 “Pigs in Paradise” and the 2012-14 “Sea Venice” public arts projects were a large success and accomplished all these goals. The Venice Art Center will utilize this successful experience coupled with new and innovative ideas to make FantaSea Venice an even greater success. FantaSea proceeds benefit the Venice Art Center in support of its programs, the arts, and tourism for the community of Venice, Florida, and our local artists.
To learn more about VAC classes, exhibitions and events visit VeniceArtCenter.com. To learn more about FantaSea Venice go to FantaSeaVenice.com.
