Council approves three city-initiated public artworks totaling $894,020 from developer-funded AIPP account

Palm Beach Gardens council on March 6 approved three city-initiated art projects under its Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, selecting artists and authorizing contracts for site installations at Gardens District Park, the Burns Road Community Center and the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center.

Planner Ashi Anna summarized a competitive process that produced three finalists. Benjamin Heller was selected for a multi-side mural, "Shadows of Victory," to be painted on a park pavilion at Gardens District Park; the artist and staff estimated the mural cost at $80,580. Matthew Plaszek was selected for a 16-foot stainless-steel-and-acrylic sculpture titled "Emerge" for the Burns Road Community Center roundabout; his proposal's estimated total cost is $838,350. Daniel Shaughnessy IV was selected to produce a 16-foot lotus-inspired, perforated stainless steel sculpture "Lottie" for the Tennis and Pickleball Center roundabout at an estimated $429,940.

Anna presented the procurement timeline, selection criteria and estimated maintenance and lifespans. Staff said the three projects together total $894,020 and that the city's AIPP fund had a balance of $1,150,524.17 as of January 2025, leaving an estimated $256,504.17 after contract awards. The AIPP advisory board recommended the projects 7–2.

Ending: Council approved the three resolutions unanimously. Staff said projects would be scheduled for installation later this year (murals) and early 2026 (sculptures), with maintenance plans and schedules to be provided by artists and the city.