In the heart of Clearwater, the Public Art & Design Advisory Board convened on September 14, 2023, to discuss vibrant new projects that promise to enhance the city’s artistic landscape. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as board members reviewed proposals from local artists, focusing on a mural that could soon grace a prominent city space.

One of the key discussions centered around a mural proposed by artist Ernesto, which has garnered significant interest from the board. Members expressed a strong preference for an Osprey design, noting its potential to resonate with the community. “It seems like everybody on the board pretty much likes the Osprey,” one member remarked, highlighting the consensus despite the absence of two members. The board moved forward with a motion to approve Ernesto’s mural, with plans to refine the color palette to better integrate with the surrounding environment.

Concerns about color choices were raised, particularly regarding how the mural’s hues would complement the natural landscape. A member suggested incorporating more blue tones to enhance the visual appeal of the Osprey against the backdrop of greenery. The board agreed to provide feedback to Ernesto, encouraging him to submit a revised proposal that aligns with their vision.

In addition to the mural, the board discussed the Mercado Mosaic project, which has faced delays. After narrowing down the artist proposals to three finalists, the project is currently on hold, pushing back its anticipated completion date. The board remains committed to involving the community in the process, planning to incorporate public voting elements at the project’s grand opening or during neighborhood association meetings.

The meeting also touched on the potential for a city code-oriented program, a topic introduced by board member Burke. This initiative aims to explore how city regulations could better support public art initiatives, fostering a more vibrant cultural scene in Clearwater.

As the meeting concluded, the board members left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to see how these artistic endeavors would unfold and enrich the community. With plans in motion and a commitment to collaboration, Clearwater’s artistic future looks bright.