INTERACTIVE SCULPTURES Expand County’s Public Art Offerings
Written by Robert Ankrom
Now, perhaps more than ever, the idea of outside art seems to really hit a very special sweet spot. This is especially true with the new “Magnify” pieces by Maryland artist Kirk Seese added, as part of the Martin County Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, to the grounds of the Peter & Julie Cummings Library in Palm City. The seven unique sculptures spin, swivel and move while reflecting a stained glass light onto the ground and were strategically installed on the library grounds near an outdoor covered pavilion space - used as both an extension of the library for a variety of library programs and for other public leisure activities. “These sculptures are a built-in educational tool for all to learn about light refraction, reflection, color and the principles of motion,” explained Office of Community Development Manager Susan Kores, who oversaw the application and selection process in partnership with the Martin County Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC). “I get the warm fuzzies when I think of the families children and adults alike - enjoying the interactivity of my ‘Magnify’ sculptures together,” added Seese. The national call for artists led to final submissions being reviewed by a subcommittee of community members that included landscapers, art teachers, local artists, library personnel, and county personnel. The process included interviews with the artists and Seese’s vision of “Magnify” led to his work being recommended to (and approved by) the Board of County Commissioners. Kirk Seese is a lifetime visual artist, specializing in large scale murals and public sculpture. From facilitating community art projects using volunteers of all ages, to designing multi-million dollar indoor climbing gyms for franchisees, Seese offers a wide range of expertise in design, fabrication, delivery, and installation of winning artworks across the nation. ‘Magnify’ joins four other art pieces displayed at Martin County libraries - a bronze sculpture at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach, a mobile sculpture at the Robert Morgade Library in Stuart, stained glass at the Elisabeth
4 | Martin Arts | Spring | Summer | 2021
Lahti Library in Indiantown, and a wood sculpture in Hobe Sound. “Anytime there is an opportunity for art to be included in a library setting, I am thrilled,” summed up Seese. “Art and education go so well together. I think it has to do with the celebration of culture, whether it be the visual arts or written word. For me, to have a sculpture placed around a library is such a high honor and worth every effort to achieve.” The Peter & Julie Cummings Library is located at: 2551 SW Matheson Ave, Palm City, FL 34990
