Friends of the Dog Fountain South Main Plaza have announced that 27 artworks inspired by the dog fountain, created by 16 local artists, are now on exhibit at the Schnormeier Gallery in Ohio.
According to the Friends of South Main Plaza, they are hosting the free Dog Fountain Exhibit from July 28 to August 28, 2025, at the Schnormeier Gallery to mark the fifth anniversary of Mount Vernon’s downtown dog fountain. The gallery features 27 fountain-themed pieces created by 16 local artists, each drawing inspiration from the well-known public installation.
As part of the celebration, The Annex is offering an interactive exhibit where visitors can design their own dog-themed artwork to be arranged around a large watercolor fountain by professional artist and instructor Jim Leitz. This hands-on component allows for wider community participation.
The dog fountain, located in South Main Plaza, includes 18 dog sculptures along with a cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, an apple, and a golden dog bone. Voted "2025 Best City Street Art in Ohio" by Midwestern Traveler Magazine, it has become a popular local landmark. The celebration is supported by Schnormeier Gallery, The Annex, and the Ariel Foundation. Phil and Mary Samuell are credited as the visionaries behind the fountain, inspired by Claude Cormier’s original design in Toronto.
According to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the dog fountain at South Main Plaza was inspired by Claude Cormier’s design in Toronto’s Berczy Park and includes painted cast aluminum figures of 18 dogs, a cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, and an apple. Robinson Iron in Alabama created the molds with each animal cast from multiple pieces. For example, the golden retriever was made from 80 separate parts that were welded together before being primed and hand-painted by Jeff Ritchie, a Mansfield artist experienced in carousel horse painting. The design was based on site visits by Cormier and executed in partnership with local supporters.