Old whale statue to grace Indianapolis mini golf course

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - When the Indianapolis Museum of Art opens its miniature golf course in May, visitors will notice a familiar face. Willie the Whale from the old Indianapolis Zoo will find a temporary home on the 18th hole.

Rushville mayor, Mike Pavey, got the idea of saving Willie when he saw the April 26, 2015, IndyStar article on the whale statue. Willie had been languishing at the abandoned Fun Spot Amusement Park in Angola. Pavey contacted Brian Sheehan, Rushville's special projects coordinator, who had been tasked with securing a roadside attraction or piece of outdoor public art for the city. Pavey and Sheehan consulted artist Quincy Owens about public art projects and told him, "we just bought a 20 x 20 foot whale that use to be at the Indianapolis Zoo." to which Quincy replied with "I'm in."

"My main goal for having Willie in the exhibition is to raise awareness and funding to properly restore him and turn him into a public art piece," Owens said.

Willie will be the only fixture from Indy's past on the course. The other holes are being designed by local and regional artists featuring themes such as Kurt Vonnegut's studio, covered bridges and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said Scott Stulen, curator of audience experiences and performance for the IMA.

The course highlights Indiana's history, landmarks and landscape as it marks the state bicentennial. The museum will reveal more holes on IMA social media accounts As they are unveiled.

The course opens for members on May 6 and to the public on May 10. Mini golf is an exhibition and open regular gallery hours. The course is included with a general admission ticket of $18 or free for museum members.

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Source: The Indianapolis Star, http://indy.st/1VnIFj2

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com