The completed shuttle sculptures are expected to debut in November, 2008. It is hoped that the shuttle replicas draw attention to the foundation and the Florida Space Coast. The painted replicas of the longest-running mission vehicles will also honor those who have dedicated their lives to America's space program, especially the astronauts.
Ever since the "Cows on Parade" art exhibit hit the streets of Chicago in 1999, community-based art projects have taken off in all parts of the country. The larger-than-life sculptures are usually painted and decorated by local artists and designers, then exhibited throughout a local area for a few months and auctioned, usually to benefit a local charity.
Over the years, Florida has played host to its share of the artsy sculptures — from Ocala's "Horse Fever" to Lakeland's "Swanation" and Pensacola's "Pelicans in Paradise" to Miami's "Flamingos on the Beach." Visitors may still see some of the life-size art sculptures long after the auctions are over. Here's look at some of Florida's more memorable projects:
Horse Fever - Ocala
Horse Fever, sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, has been by all accounts one of the most successful community art projects in the state, benefiting the area's cultural community. It is no wonder it was successful. It seemed to touch the very fabric of Ocala's existence. With more than 200 farms and training centers devoted to breeding, training and showing breeds such as Thoroughbreds, Paso Finos, Foxtrotters, miniature horses, quarter horses and hunter/jumpers among others, Ocala has long had "horse fever.""Old Glory" debuted in early October, 2001, just weeks after the September 11th attacks on America. As the sculpture was unveiled in the town square, the crowd cheered and joined with the Central Florida Master Choir in a roaring rendition of "God Bless America." The sculpture, a life-size replica of a horse that was painted as if draped by an American Flag, was just one of seven unveiled at the ceremony and 52 in the entire art exhibit.
The stampede of painted horses were decorated by local and regional artists. As an example, "Horsefly," covered with 36 varieties of butterflies, was painted by a former art director of Shoebox Greetings, a division of Hallmark. It is now located at the offices of the Marion County Hospice.
You can still see many other decorative equestrian sculptures around Ocala — "Aggie," "Scenic Wonder" and "Life Force" stand in front of the Marion County Courthouse in downtown Ocala. "Celeste" grazes on the lawn of the Ocala Shrine Club and "Old Glory" (pictured above) stands proudly in front of Padua Stables in Summerfield, just south of Ocala.
Flamingos on the Beach - Miami
"Flamingos on the Beach" was both a fun and funky exhibit, with flocks of larger-than-life flamingos displayed in public areas throughout the Miami Beach area during the summer of 2002. Artists were allowed to let their imaginations take flight as they "painted, collaged, bejeweled and bedazzled" the birds.
Swansation - Lakeland
Lakeland's Swansation-al public art project reflected the interest in the city's most celebrated residents — swans — and carried the theme from planning to auction. Florida artists were commissioned to decorate 62 sculptured swans for various "swansors," then after being on display, the swans were sold at "The Swan Song" auction.
Clowning Around Town - Sarasota
Sarasota, the home of John Ringling of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus fame, found itself in the middle of a brewing controversy. An idea to "bring in the clowns" to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hospice of Southwest Florida was met with harsh criticism that resulted in the city being divided down cultural lines. On one side were the critics, mostly local painters and sculptors (and those with clown phobias), who believed the circus kitsch would somehow tarnish Sarasota's new, and somewhat pretentious, "cultural" image. On the other side were those who couldn't help but remember how the circus put Sarasota on the map, and didn't see any harm in adding a little happiness and cheer for a good cause.The six-foot-tall, brightly painted sculptures debuted on Sarasota's street corners in October, 2006. Shortly after that, in a not-so-funny turn of events, pranksters and vandals began attacking the clowns. More than two dozen attacks and kidnappings have been reported.
Was poor planning as some charged? Or, was it, as others suspect, simply a growing affluent population that has little respect for the city's humble past? One thing is certain... these clowns may be wearing a smile on the outside, but have to be frowning on the inside.
GuitarTown - Orlando
Just last month (June, 2008) it was announced that Gibson Guitars, a leader in music technology and premier musical instrument manufacturer, would launch Orlando GuitarTown. The project will consist of 10-foot tall fiberglass Gibson Les Paul-model guitars, plus a series of regular size showcase guitars designed and painted through the concerted effort of local and nationally acclaimed visual artists.The first Gibson guitar sculpture was placed outside the CityArts Factory at 29 South Orange Avenue in Orlando on June 20. This "Sneak Peak" guitar will be painted in the classic Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish by "Tattood Bill" Roberts. The entire band of instruments will be placed throughout Orlando, in front of city landmarks, sponsor locations and other popular destinations for several months beginning in September, 2008.
