Art in Public Places curates an experiential and educational museum without walls, activating art and design to beautify Palm Beach County.
Andrew Reid’s “Knowledge is Our Future,” 2012, mural
From entering Palm Beach County public libraries to strolling the botanical gardens, public art and design are integral to the experience. In 2007, the County established a policy allocating 2% of $2 million+ vertical County Capital Improvement Projects for new construction, renovation and expansion to public art. This boosted Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places (AiPP) program dedicated to enhancing buildings, plazas and parks with murals, sculptures and architectural designs by top national contemporary creatives. According to administrator Elayna Toby Singer, the aim of the program is to cultivate a distinct sense of place by revealing past and present community stories. Singer shares, “We know from research and peoples’ experiences that our health and well-being improve within aesthetic and beautiful environments whether built or natural.”
Barbara Grygutis’ “Wave,” 2009.
These four AiPP mural and architectural enhancements enrich the experience of living and working in Palm Beach County.
“We know from research and peoples’ experiences that our health and well-being improve within aesthetic and beautiful environments whether built or natural.”-ELAYNA TOBY SINGER
Carlos Alves & JC Carroll ‘s “Knowledge is Our Future,” 2012, handmade glazed ceramic tiles.
Barbara Grygutis, “Wave” 2009 Palm Beach County Convention Center
Sculpture and architecture meet in “Wave,” a monumental and awe-inspiring installation. Sunlight penetrates the arcs’ metal perforations, while blue LED light mimics an ocean wave and illuminates the night sky. Emerging from the architecture, the integrated artwork recalls the county’s renowned beaches and has become an iconic visual at the Convention Center. 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach,pbconventioncenter.com
Dana Donaty’s “The Early World,” 2012
Andrew Reid, Carlos Alves & JC Carroll “Knowledge is Our Future” 2012 Belle Glade Library
Gleaning contemporary and historical stories during community workshops, artists Andrew Reid, Carlos Alves and JC Carroll imagined three distinct installations for the County’s library. These include a mural by Andrew Reid, handmade glazed ceramic tiles by Carlos Alves and JC Carroll and etched windows created collaboratively. The imagery shows life in The Glades, depicting sugar cane fields, Lake Okeechobee, city landmarks, historical moments from Belle Glade’s history and more. 725 NW Fourth St., Belle Glade,pbclibrary.org
Dana Donaty’s “Magic Treehouse & Math Rocks,” 2012, detail.
Dana Donaty, “Chapter One, The Early World, Magic Treehouse & Math Rocks,” 2012 Palm Beach County Head Start
Drawing inspiration from the school’s curricula, artist Dona Donaty imagined three surrealist, narrative murals to motivate learning and encourage positive engagement. Entry “Chapter One” shows a large tree opening as a book illustrating a joyful park scene; while an art easel and numbered blocks merge with a wildlife refuge in “The Early World,”; completed by “Magic Treehouse & Math Rocks” showing a treehouse with birds, a clock and purposeful poems. 100 S. Chillingworth Dr., West Palm Beach
Mark T. Fuller, “My Lovely Distraction,” 2012
Mark T. Fuller, “My Lovely Distraction” 2012 Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County, Shade & Color Island
A bridge attracts visitors to walk over it. Created with railings repurposed from a previous wooden structure and embellished with penetrable leaf patterns, the bridge both reflects and integrates with its natural surroundings. Walking further, poetry stained into the path expresses the environment. 559 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, mounts.org
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
