For many years the bronze sculpture of the Little Mermaid sitting in a fountain on Main Street has been the pride and joy of Kimballton residents. the statue depicts the well-known fairy tale of Denmark’s famous storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen.  Now, an “Iowa Great Places Grant” has allowed Kimballton to consider adding more sculptures as part of their Park Improvement Project.

“Thumbelina” print, one of 6 sketches to be turned into a 3-D bronze sculpture.

Troy Muller, the Art Director of New Geneses Art Studio in Kimballton, is prepared to work with the town to provide 10 smaller bronze sculptures depicting other Andersen fairy tales for the park.  The Little Mermaid Trail Committee is providing an opportunity for donors to dedicate individual sculptures for their loved ones.  The artist has presented six sketches that will be turned into three-dimensional bronze statues.

Current sketches include: Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Little Match Girl, Steadfast Tin Soldier, Princess and the Pea.  These sketches are available to view at the New Century Art Guild annex, formerly Mama Bear’s, on Kimballton’s Main Street. Each sculpture will measure approximately 18” tall and sit on a concrete pedestal with a speaker so visitors may hear the story.  A bronze plaque will recognize a specific donor. Madsen says they are collecting $1,000 donations for anyone who would like to commemorate their loved ones with one of the six statues.  She says they prefer to have one family name per sculpture.

For more information please contact Pat Crosley, tcrosley@metc.net, or Jill Madsen at jill@metc.net