County Commissioner Larry Conder and the Daviess County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is looking into having a new sculpture that depicts a mandolin and a child playing the violin. They said the sculpture would welcome travelers into the community, though they haven’t finalized a location.
To Conder, who serves as the County’s liaison on the CVB board, the sculpture further stakes Owensboro’s claim of being the International Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.
“I’m assuming we’re going down this path as the International Bluegrass Music Capital of the World. Well, in order to do that, you have to get buy-in first from your citizens. That way, they recognize it, they see it, and they associate where they live with that branding,” Conder said.
The sculpture will be roughly 30 feet across by 24 feet tall, with the child approximately 5’7” tall.
Conder said the CVB board is looking at numerous spots to place the statue, including the roundabout on KY 81, Yellow Creek Park, or the Bluegrass Museum Hall of Fame and Museum. Each location was considered because they are either an entry point to the community or are attached to Owensboro’s bluegrass scene.
The CVB is on board with the idea, and Conder said funding must come from different sources to afford the project. The idea has been presented to the other members of the Fiscal Court along with the state, Conder said.
“I have talked to everyone that is a stakeholder in this, and there are private investors I believe that would help with sponsoring this type of initiative. I think that’s the case, which is good,” Conder said.
Conder noted that Fiscal Court would have to vote before they could commit to funding the project.
