Beginning in May 2010, Fernandina Beach will be the temporary home to more than 20 fiberglass shrimp sculptures, each whimsically decorated by a local artist. Titled "Shrimp Expression," the project is modeled after similar projects in numerous cities across the country, including Cows on Parade (Chicago, New York, Atlanta), Catfish out of Water in Nashville, Go Fish in Richmond and Turtle Trails in Jacksonville.
This unique first-time exhibit will be a terrific attraction for all of Nassau County. Florida and will also highlight the creative artists of our area, providing a showcase for their talent. Most importantly, Shrimp Expression will raise much-needed funds for domestic violence prevention and intervention services and enhance awareness of Micah's Place and its value to the community.
PURPOSE: Shrimp Expression is a unique project with multiple goals: raise funding for prevention and intervention services of Micah's Place; create awareness for domestic violence prevention; support local artists and their endeavors; and support tourism initiatives.
WHAT IS SHRIMP EXPRESSION? Shrimp Expression replicates a successful concept that has been executed nationally in more than two dozen cities. Public art pieces will be created by local artists on larger than life size fiberglass shrimp, which will be installed in prominent locations throughout Fernandina Beach. The sculptures will be a dynamic exhibit that will be promoted through maps, tours, distinctive signage, contests and extensive media coverage.
WHEN IS SHRIMP EXPRESS? A call for artists will be announced in the coming weeks, and the public display is scheduled for May 2010 continuing through September 2010. The event will conclude with a gala auction event in October 2010, during which the shrimp sculptures will be auctioned for permanent ownership.
SPONSORSHIP A business or individual will adopt each shrimp sculpture. Sponsors can select their shrimp design from pre-approved designs, or the sponsor may commission his or her own artists. Sponsorship of a Shrimp Expression creature does not include permanent ownership, but does include numerous benefits such as name recognition on the sculpture, web site recognition, official publications and VIP tickets to the gala auction event in October 2010. Please click on "Prawnposal" at the top of this page for information on sponsorship and if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please click on "Sponsor Agreement", complete it and send it to Micah's Place, P. O. Box 16287, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ATTN: Kelly.
ARTISTS Interested artists and citizens will be able to submit designs for consideration. The Shrimp Expression Art Review Committee will review all submissions and approve those that best represent the scope of the project and confirm to the guidelines in the Artist Agreement. Approved designs will become part of a portfolio for selection by prospective sponsors. If a sponsor chooses an artist's design, an honorarium of $500 will be paid to the artist upon completion, delivery and acceptance of the sculpture. Please click "Artist's Packet" at the top of this page if you are interested in artistically completing a shrimp.
