ANDERSON, SC - The Anderson Arts Center is proud to announce the “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” public arts project.  Never before has a project in Anderson County pulled together artists, businesses, families, and government in such a meaningful way.  The new fish will be unveiled on Friday, June 22, 2007 at 6:00pm at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion and will be on display for at least one year at various locations.

With the City of Anderson as a major sponsor and supporter the 2007 public arts project, formed through innovative community partnerships, excites viewers and attracts tourist to see 35 six foot long fish all over Anderson. The Large-Mouth Bass is indigenous to the area’s own Lake Hartwell, which serves as the form or canvas for the artistic fish.  Similar to Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” public arts herd, “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” is fins down the Anderson area’s most popular community project.

Designs for the fresh catch of fish were submitted and chosen in March.  Selected artists were commissioned to transfer their design to both a 6’ and 2’ fiberglass fish.  The large fish are installed on cement bases using metal poles or installed vertically on light poles. The smaller replica fish will be given to sponsors after they are exhibited in the Arts Warehouse.  A new “Trophy Fish” category will be exhibited at the Arts Warehouse and then tour to offsite locations for public viewing.  Selected Classic Fish from the 2004 project have been refurbished and are a part of the 2007 public arts project.

The success, huge public interest, and continued support of the 2004 “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts” project proves that Anderson needs and wants public artworks.  Like  the 2004 project, the 2007 “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” project is planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in the public domain, outside and accessible to all. 

Brochures and merchandise for the “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” project are available at the Anderson Arts Warehouse.  Plans are in the works to provide additional “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” programs and events during the three-day 2008 Bassmaster Classic Tournament, which offers a $1.2 million purse and a first prize of $500,000, beginning Feb. 22 and will be covered by ESPN2.

The “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” project budget is separate from the Anderson Arts Center operating budget.  It is a project benefiting the Arts Warehouse Capital Campaign that is managed separately than the campaign account.  Like the Arts Warehouse facility, the fish public arts project free to the public – allowing all demographics the same exposure to the arts.

Project Stats:  33 “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” artists, 30 new 6’ fish and 24” replica fish, 16 Classic Fish, 14 Trophy Fish

Events for the “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” public arts project include:

Fish Unveiling & Reception
Friday, June 22, 2007 
$30 per person

• 6:00 Unveiling @ 409 North Main Street, Farmers Market Pavilion
• 7:00 Reception @ 110 Federal Street, Anderson Arts Warehouse
• Live Caribbean music, appetizers by the Chiquola Club, and drinks included

“Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” Exhibit
June 25 – July 20, 2007

• Anderson Arts Warehouse in the Kay Gallery, Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm 
• Free to the public, you can see the 24” replica fish of the larger fish around town and the individual 24” Trophy Fish

Fish Installation
June 23 – June 27, 2007

• Fish will be installed by Arts Center Staff and Volunteers at the following locations: Various locations in Downtown Anderson; Anderson City Hall; the Arts Warehouse; the Anderson County Farmer’s Market; Cater’s Lake; the Hilton Garden Inn; the Civic Center; AnMed Health Center.

“Fish out of Water” Family Story Times
Thursdays
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2007

• Free to the public @ Anderson County Library, 10:30am
• Your child will enjoy these fish focused stories as another great activity of the “Fish out of Water; Hooked on the Arts 2” public arts project (program runs 45 minutes to 1 hour).

Family Night at Your Library
Tuesday, August 14, 2007           

• Free to the public @ Anderson County Library, 6:30pm
• Take your child to the library to hear a special storytelling session and see one of their favorite fish, “Huckleberry Fin.”  (Program runs 45 minutes to 1 hour.)

“Follow the Fish” Scavenger History Hunt
Tuesdays
August 7, 14, 21, 2007

• Free to the public @ Anderson County Museum, 10:00 – 11:00am
• Activity for ages 8-12, this fun filled activity will teach about the Anderson County, home to Lake Hartwell and thousands of Large Mouth Bass.

"Go Fish” Trolley Tours with Celebrity Tour Guides
Fridays
$5 per person

• Trolley tours begin and end at the Anderson Arts Warehouse parking lot shared with the Anderson County Farmer’s Market.  The tour will last about an hour and take guest to see the fish located in Historic Downtown Anderson.
• You must register in advance for the tours at 864-222-2787. 
• Tour Dates & Celebrity Guides:
  • July 20 @ 10:00am – Juan A. Brown, MD, Anderson Arts Warehouse Capital Campaign Committee
  • August 3 @ 10:00am – Linda McConnell, Assistant City Manager, City of Anderson
  • August 17 @ 10:00am –Ruth Hopkins, 2004 & 2007 “Fish out of Water” Artist
  • September 7 @ 10:00am – Kimberly Spears, Executive Director of Anderson Arts Center
  • September 21 @ 10:00am – David Vandiver, Anderson Arts Center Volunteer