While driving down Main Street, Austinites may or may not take notice of the bronze geese or swirling concrete paths lined with wildflowers.

Tuesday, July 18, 2000

While driving down Main Street, Austinites may or may not take notice of the bronze geese or swirling concrete paths lined with wildflowers.

They are part of a relatively new attraction in Austin – Worlein Park.

The Austin Area Arts Center announced Monday that they are holding a painting contest in which local artists are being asked to capture the sights of the park.

Sponsored by the Worlein family of Austin, in conjunction with the arts center, the contest is open to anyone in the area.

Joan Finnegan, acting president of the arts center, said the purpose of the contest is to "give the art center publicity."

Worlein Park, which first opened July 2, 1999, is "the forerunner of anything of its kind in Austin," according to Finnegan.

It was unveiled through the generous donation of the Worlein family; the old funeral home was torn down in order to bring the plaza before the public.

"We encourage the public to use it, and use it in a number of ways," Finnegan said.

The large number of artists in the area contributed to the decision to hold the contest, Finnegan said.

"There are many talented artists in the area," she said. "This gives them the opportunity to create more artwork and spread the art around."

Entries in the contest may capture anything about the park; exactly what they want to focus on is left to the device of the artist.

There are a number of interesting bronze statues to examine, including a marquette, or first artists’ proof, of a husband and wife and their little son on his father’s shoulder.

It was this statue that was made into a large clay bronze, Paul Worlein said.

Paul and his brother, John, own the rights to the multipiece sculpture and must be commissioned for rights from other artists.

They decided to create the park, along with the statues, some time ago.

"As a park, it would be the best use of property," Paul Worlein said.

It serves as a memorial to the spirits of the Worlein brothers’ parents, who were highly regarded business people in the community.

The first-prize winner of the contest will receive $750 and their entry will become property of the Worlein family.

All other entries may be picked up at Farmers and Merchants State Bank.

Entries will be on display Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 at Farmers and Merchants State Bank, across from the plaza; the winner will be announced Sept. 22 at the bank.

Deadline for application forms and entries is 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10.

Finnegan further explained that all entries must be at least 16 inches by 20 inches, framed and ready to hang. Color is preferred; they may be done in watercolor, oil, acrylic or pastel.

Finnegan is very excited about the contest as it will benefit not only the art center and local artists, but the Worlein family, as well.

She said that it was "absolutely delightful working with these wonderful gentlemen."

Paul Worlein was amazed at the park’s transformation in such a short time.

"They took a bland slope and turned it into dramatic elevation," Worlein said.

He gave much credit for this to contractor Brian Dollan.

"He made this project easy," Worlein said. "He followed through and made it happen."

Over the past year, the park has become increasingly popular with residents, many stopping there to eat lunch or enjoy the sun.

A lot of people bring their families to the park as well.

Finnegan recounted a scene from last year when the park first opened; a child ran over to a bronze statue of a young boy and began rubbing his nose.

The tradition continues today, the rubbing believed to bring luck.

Other children have been known to hop on the dog, or either of the two ducks positioned by the boy.

Paul Worlein seemed happy about this as he said, "That’s what it’s here for – to be touched."