2 minute read
The Blooms
Written and photographed by Madelyn Marconi
Surrounded by lush greenery and modern hardscape elements are six rare dandelions as captivating during the day as they are at night. The Blooms, created by artist Dan Shaughnessy IV, serve as a fun, playful addition to the already budding transformation of Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. The outdoor shopping center, which opened in 2006, is currently undergoing a variety of upgrades that will transform its space to inspire health, happiness, and well-being for all visitors. The goal for the redevelopment plan is to create a sophisticated, thriving urban core that reflects the City’s “live, work, learn and play” environment. One way they are achieving that goal is through the addition of spectacular public art.
Dan Shaughnessy IV is a sculptor from Stavanger, Norway, who has a wealth of experience creating stunning, largescale sculptures for clients. Shaugnessy attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 2008 and currently serves as a member of Chicago Sculpture International. He has developed an attraction to form, structure, and abstraction, which led to a fascination with metals. Shaugnessy’s latest focus is on the balance of metalworking with modern technology and the challenge to elevate public pieces like this one to become community landmarks.
The Blooms, made up of marine grade stainless-steel stems, hold over 1,000 polished petals on each of the six dandelions. Within each flower is an LED lighting system that pulsates with the movement of pedestrians, creating an interactive lighting experience for viewers. Designed to withstand rain and hurricane-force winds with little-to-no maintenance, The Blooms provide a lively and energetic accompaniment to the open space frequented by shoppers and passersby.
Raised geometric planters filled with Foxtail Ferns, Crotons, and Montgomery Palms surround the steel dandelions. Unique and stylish furniture provides a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the art.
The Blooms are an excellent example of what’s to come at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. The lifestyle plaza will soon be completely reimagined through the incorporation of colorful art, vibrant landscaping, sculptural seating, and so much more. The space will blossom into a desirable destination accented with signature events and opportunities for years to come.
