The deadline for the Downtown Cardinal project in Marion has been extended until April 30th. The statues are all being created and donated by local sculptor and artist, Merle Randolph. The Cardinal was chosen because it is Ohio’s state bird and the number seventeen was selected because Ohio is the seventeenth state in the Union.The seventeen Cardinals will adorn downtown Marion later this year. If you or someone you know would like to submit an artistic design for consideration, this is your chance to have your artwork on permanent display downtown. All the details about this exciting project are in the Artist’s Packet and Design Rules at downtownmarion.com.