By Alyssa Boles

Court Square will become a gallery of art this month. 

The Doodle Fish Studio has been given permission by the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen to display its students’ art in the center of downtown. Specifically, the art will be placed in the planters on Court Square.

Stephanie Fish, owner of The Doodle Fish Studio, is planning to display garden totems.

“We will be planting garden totems, which are nothing more than a decorative painted post,” said Fish. “When we were designing them, we discussed Warren County and what they thought about when asked about the area they lived in. Not long into the conversation they came up with rivers, nurseries, the Park Theater, mountains, Rock Island and many other things.” 

When asked about how the totems will be protected from the harsh weather, Fish said the kids painted with outdoor-rated acrylic paints and coated them with a clear sealant to protect them. 

Fish hopes the totems will be displayed by Aug. 8 and they will be placed in the garden area surrounding the fountain. 

Painting of the totems took place during two summer camps at The Doddle Fish Studio. 

“The age groups that completed the project were grades 1-4 and the older group was fifth grade and up,” said Fish. “My philosophy about painting is anyone can paint. A lot of people shy away from brining a 2-year-old to paint, but I say let them paint! It’s all in what you give them to work with that makes the difference.” 

Open classes are listed on the Doodle Fish website at www.thedoodlefish.com. Spots can be reserved and payment made. 

“Have no worries when coming to class. Just plan to have lots of fun,” said Fish.