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Artists present Olsner Park mural concepts; committee to present designs to council
Summary
Four artists presented concepts for a narrative mural at Olsner Park. The committee asked designers to submit proposals without pricing for council review, noted procurement rules (three bids may be required), and discussed donations, protective sealant, restroom surface proposals, and broader park renovation and fencing plans.
Artists presented designs for a proposed mural along the long wall at Olsner Park, and committee members agreed to present the preferred concept to the Port Richey City Council for direction and to collect additional proposals before selecting a procurement approach.
Artist Agatha Mavenska described a 100-foot narrative mural that would feature three portraits (Martha Olsner, the town’s founder, and a historically informed Indigenous figure), seals and logos, a pelican mascot, and local flora and fauna tied together to tell the area’s history. Agatha outlined three tiers of execution — from a basic graphic treatment to a fully realistic immersive mural — and said material costs are similar across tiers. She confirmed that a protective sealant is included and said it provides multi‑year protection and typically requires reapplication every few years.
Committee members recommended presenting design concepts to council without pricing to get early feedback on artistic direction; price sheets would be provided separately later so council can evaluate budget implications. A resident offered to donate toward the project; members said city legal and the city manager must review any private donations and how funds would be applied.
Other artists in attendance, including Rob Sardellan and another muralist, presented alternative concepts emphasizing panelized storytelling, mid-century motifs and marine life. Committee members asked staff to collect the remaining proposals, make copies for council, and aim to present at the next council meeting (scheduled Tuesday after the Jan. 8 CAC meeting). The committee discussed specific park work already underway — a new restroom roof and fence improvements — and encouraged coordination so the mural can be part of a larger Olsner Park renovation.
On procurement, members noted that depending on the final scope and budget, a formal bidding process may be required and suggested securing at least three proposals. The committee also discussed separate pricing and surfaces for restroom areas, which would be a different scope and price point.
The next steps: artists will send revised packets (designs without pricing), staff will compile proposals and legal will advise on donation handling; the preferred concept will be presented to city council for direction.
