PROGRESS: Carousel of Smiles spins closer to completion

It has been a busy year for us.

Thanks to our wonderful volunteers, the Carousel of Smiles restoration is about 95% complete.

The final two horses are in the painting stage, and seven of the 14 mural paintings for the 56-foot-long rounding board mural have been completed, and submissions for the interior art panels continue to come in. As for the mechanicals and frame, refurbishing the floor panels is the last task.

Last September, we assembled the carousel for the third time and hosted the National Carousel Association for a visit during their annual convention based out of Spokane.

Many NCA members have followed our project since the very beginning and reported to us that seeing our carousel back to life was an emotional highlight for them.

It was certainly a joy to see this carousel, all lit up with the newly donated GE light bulbs, spinning under its own power for the first time 73 years. (We believe the last time this carousel operated, was at the Kansas State Fair in 1952.)

As work on the circa 1920 full-size carousel was winding down, we accepted the donation of a child-size (almost intact) '50s vintage Allan Herschell “American Beauty” 20-foot-diameter, 20-pony carousel. It arrived at our studios in January, and restoration work on the mechanicals started right away. We have named this one The Carousel of Giggles, and our artists assure us the ponies will live up to that name.

The big questions: Where will the carousel’s home actually be?

Finding the permanent location for the carousel has proven to be more difficult than the restoration, but we think we have it solved. Working with Celeste Kilmartin and Deanne Johnson, formerly of Eklectos Gallery and the owners of the building at 502 Church Street, we have struck a purchase deal. While still providing a home for Marketplace Antiques and the Pie Hut restaurant, we have some interesting renovation concepts for the section that will house the carousel. Anyone want naming rights? A capital campaign is before us.

The studio at 502 Church St. is currently open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when painting work is happening. Stop in for a visit.

Starting in June, we will be open more days and hours for visits, stay tuned, exciting things are before us.

    A photo of The Carousel of Smiles' "wedding row."

Reno and Clay Hutchison are the founders of The Carousel of Smiles.