Artist: Zan Wells
GJ: How were you contacted to create this piece?
ZW: Jimmy Ryan, then a student, had the idea of having a sculpture placed on Main Street for his senior project. After sharing several ideas, Jimmy decided on a mouse. After a few days, he called and wanted to know if we could do nine mice. We worked closely together finding the sites for each mouse, and Jimmy did most of the footwork and raising the money to pay for the project.
GJ: What is the inspiration for this piece?
ZW: Inspiration came from the book “Goodnight Moon.” A bronze book depicting “Goodnight Moon” is with the mouse, Marvin, outside of Roost [on North Main Street].
GJ: How long did it take to create, and what was the creation process like?
ZW: Each mouse was made in clay. A mold was formed and then cast in bronze. It took about nine months for the entire process.
GJ: What is your favorite part of the piece and why?
ZW: My favorite part is what has happened since the mice were installed. Children, and sometimes adults, find looking for the mice fun. “Mice on Main,” the book by Linda Kelly and myself, has been a big part in making the mice so popular. Many towns have contacted me wanting a similar project for their main streets.
GJ: When was it completed?
2000
It is located on Main St. in Greenville.
