For more than 20 years, mermaids have been the iconic symbol of the City of Norfolk. In 1999, local attorney and ODU alumnus Peter G. Decker Jr. and his wife, Bess, introduced the idea of Mermaids on Parade to Norfolk civic leaders. Students selected Reign's name, and the statue's presence on Old Dominion University's campus creates a tradition connecting students and alumni to Norfolk's history. Reign was unveiled and dedicated on October 28, 2020 at Brock Commons, joining a fleet of more than 100 mermaid sculptures in Norfolk.
The Making of Reign the ODU Mermaid
Student Government Association leaders and art students collaborated with local artist and former ODU student Georgia Mason on the design and creation of the statue.
Claim Your Crown
Visit Reign at Brock Commons, W. 47th Street, and take a picture standing underneath the sculpture's crown. Use the hashtag #ODUmermaid to share your photo.
Production & Unveiling of Reign the Mermaid
Nearing the end of the project, Georgia Mason paints the tail of the mermaid on Jan. 29, 2020. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
Artist Georgia Mason is shown in her studio with a nearly completed ODU mermaid on Jan. 29, 2020. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
Nearing completion of the project, Georgia Mason paints the tail on Jan. 29, 2020. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
An epoxy is brushed on the crown on Feb. 12, 2020. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
The mermaid's crown, shown on Feb. 12, 2020, is the last part of the project. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
Artist Georgia Mason welcomes art students and members of ODU’s Student Government Association to be a part of creating the mermaid sculpture on Nov. 21, 2019. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
An epoxy is brushed on the crown on Feb. 12, 2020. Photo David Hollingsworth/ODU
