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Art Enriches Everyone
ART
ENRICHES Everyone BY LISA HOLDER
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The City of Sanford is well known for its historic charm, beauty, and vibrant downtown. These fine attributes are enhanced by the growing public art for all to enjoy.
What is public art?
Public art displays its magnificence by way of sculptures, murals, photography, paintings, stained glass, landscape, pop-ups, and even displays in vacant storefronts. Public art does not limit itself to being displayed outdoors; it can also include exhibits that are indoors or in semi-enclosed spaces.
Earhart mural
Utility Box Art Wrap Projects Seagulls artist Dale Rogers and Virginia Poe at the stainess-steel sculptures located on the RiverWalk near phase 2
So, how does all this gorgeous art make its way to the City of Sanford?
The Public Art Commission (PAC) is a dedicated group of art enthusiasts, appointed by the City Commission, who tirelessly work behind the scenes to bring art to the community. Virginia Poe, Chair of the Sanford Public Art Commission, states, “The City of Sanford’s Public Art Commission seeks to enrich the lives of Sanford’s residents and visitors by providing diverse public-art experiences that can be permanent, temporary, pop-up, or seasonal displays.”
The PAC is responsible for advocating for public art, acquiring the art, securing funding, promoting, and educating the public through outreach education, media, and social events—not an easy task considering the Public Art Commission consists of five members: Sally Dehler, Kimberly House, Virginia Poe (Chairperson), Rosemary Closson, Reggie Santilli, and City Commissioner Patty Mahany.
This group of dedicated volunteers are composed of artists, educators, and leaders.
Mayor Art Woodruff said, “The work of the Public Art Commission, bringing both temporary and permanent art installations to Sanford, is just one greater thing to love about the City. The murals, stained glass, utility box wraps, and seagull exhibit that have recently been installed are just a glimpse at what can be done to enhance Sanford through art.”
How does one go about finding the public art on display in Sanford?
To view and locate the various art works visit www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart. You can also check out the new digital interactive map of the installed Utility Box Art Wraps throughout downtown. The Utility Box Art Wrap Project was created to enhance the urban environment and further the tourism and economic potential that transforms ordinary infrastructure into public works of art. The project area includes 18 utility boxes within the City’s Downtown Redevelopment area. The future plan is to offer opportunities for artists to create more utility box art wraps throughout the entire City.
Another site for public art is to visit the Art in Chambers Exhibit. Visitors can check out the latest exhibit by visiting the Commission Chambers, located at City Hall, 300 N. Park Avenue on the first floor. The Art in Chambers exhibit is open to the public 30 minutes before the start of all Public Meetings. Be sure to check out the current exhibit, Seminole County Printmakers. These rotating exhibits offer art aficionados new and exciting art works to appreciate several times throughout the year.
There is a new rotating public art exhibit location on the 2nd floor of City Hall, currently on display is “Hidden Florida” photographs by nature photographer Reg Garner. If you cannot make it in person to City Hall, the City offers virtual art events of the rotating exhibits for viewing on the City of Sanford’s YouTube Channel, where the artists share their own perspectives on their works of art.
If you are in the mood to couple our beautiful Florida weather with a stunning sculpture, check out the newly installed Seagulls exhibit located on the RiverWalk. Five stainless-steel
Art in Chambers Exhibit
seagulls with 6 feet wing spans create an optical illusion of birds in flight by playing off the sunlight. This new sculpture exhibit has become a fan favorite adding to the natural beauty of the RiverWalk and Lake Monroe.
How does the Public Art Commission go about finding new art to display through the city?
The City’s Call to Artist program is for artists who are interested in submitting their works toward public art projects. Artists are encouraged to email Lisa Holder, City of Sanford Communications Officer and Public Art Commission Staff Liaison, via email at lisa.holder@sanfordfl.gov to be added to the Call to Artist list and/or to the Mural Call To Artist list for mural art projects specifically.
Enriching the city with public art is an enormous task made possible by the volunteer efforts of the Public Arts Commission who continue to find talented artists to submit their works of art. Special thank you to the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of Sanford, which help fund the art exhibits. The Public Art Commission is also grateful for the City of Sanford’s Public Works and Recreation Departments, who not only install the art exhibits, lighting and landscaping, but also maintain the public art exhibits year-round.
Art in City Hall Exhibit
The amount of time, energy, and effort that goes into bringing residents and visitors unique art is certainly a labor of love. Stay tuned for City of Sanford Public Art exhibit updates and call to artist opportunities by visiting www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart, My Sanford Magazine, or by attending a Public Art Commission public meeting held monthly on the 4th Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. n
As you can imagine, community support is relied upon to keep public art moving forward. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are in the works. Businesses are also encouraged to support the public art program through sponsorships. One example could be a building/business owner allowing the side of their building to be used as a canvas for a stunning mural.
