by Patti Connor
Staff Writer
The Art in Public Places Commission met Thursday at the T-U Center to discuss several issues, including site selection and a call for artists.
Following a welcome by Chairman Jeff Dunn, members focused on their desire to ultimately have some sort of exterior art displayed in each of their planning districts, which total six.
Jacqueline Holmes of Holmes and Associates and a volunteer advisor to Mayor John Delaney emphasized the need for art at the Ritz Theater.
“At this point we have $35,000 to spend on the project, so we need additional funds. They’re already bringing in African American artists and painters on their own. One possibility would be to do some sort of mosaic in the sidewalk, with either internal lighting or lighting on the marquee itself,” said Holmes, adding that whatever form it ends up taking, “the work should be readily visible at night.”
As Dunn pointed out, “The theater seats 250-300 people and with them all coming in and leaving at the same time, that makes it difficult to see what’s on the floor.”
Another possibility for the Ritz, Holmes suggested, “was doing something that expands the street — either conceptually or physically — which could serve as a gateway to this newly refurbished part of town.”
She also focused on the San Marco Library and Community Center. Part of the Better Jacksonville Plan, the library is said to be the most frequently used in the city, making it ideally suited as a venue for exterior art.
As for the new downtown library, members agreed that there is a wealth of opportunities inside the building.
“There will be a courtyard on the third floor which offers the only other external possibility,” said Holmes. “It will be quite lovely, with landscaping, a pool, benches and seating, but it won’t be very visible from the street. The question is how public the space is, and how much does it really enhance the experience of the people walking around.”
Also discussed were the new arena and baseball park, including the plaza at the arena entrance, which will be paved and includes landscaping, benches and lighting that could be altered or incorporated into an artist’s site plan; the ballpark center field entrance, where the end of the walkway will be a focal point; and other sites in the complex, budget allowing.
After discussing the plans, commission members decided to focus their immediate attentions on procuring funds to provide art for each of the six new libraries.
Holmes emphasized the need for providing art throughout the city.
“It’s important to have exterior art for people to enjoy in their neighborhoods all over town, and not just downtown, exclusively,” she said.
Finding artists to complete the works was also deemed a top priority.
“That’s something we don’t want to delay,” said Holmes.