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Commission pauses vote on $800,000 'Petals of the Moon' entryway artwork, seeks more input
Summary
The council pulled a vote on Cinta Tantra’s 'Petals of the Moon,' a proposed $800,000 public‑private entryway sculpture at 8111 South Dixie. Commissioners asked for more commissioner‑level review and public input on prominence, interactivity and siting; the presenter agreed to return after further meetings.
The City Commission withdrew for further review a proposal to accept "Petals of the Moon," a site‑specific public artwork by Cinta Tantra proposed for the south entry point to West Palm Beach (8111 South Dixie, 'The Sound'). The project, presented by Cibile Cuntel, director of Arts, Culture and Community Building, is a public‑private partnership with Woodfield Flagler Venture LLC and carries an all‑in budget of $800,000.
Cuntel described a two‑piece installation — a gold‑leafed form and a deep blue companion — sited on a 5‑foot plinth with the tallest piece approaching 17 feet. She said the public art committee unanimously recommended the artist after a competitive selection process and that the design team has engaged engineers, fabricators, and a conservator to address wind loads, materials, maintenance and longevity. "This is the most southern entry point into the city and the first major art piece that will go into Commissioner Lambert's district," she said.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about the developer’s contribution (Cuntel said the developer contributed approximately $475,000 and the city would make up the balance), the preservation and maintenance plan, public input and whether the work reads as a 'welcome' entry or a more abstract statement. Several commissioners said the plinth height and surrounding landscaping affect whether the work would feel prominent and welcoming. Commissioner Ward asked whether the work would be interactive for children; staff said the plinth and site design are intended to discourage climbing.
After extended discussion about the artwork's prominence, siting, and the role of the developer and public‑art committee in selection, the presenter agreed to pull the item and meet individually with commissioners to refine the proposal and return with revised materials. The item was removed from the agenda for this meeting; no final vote was taken.
