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Exterior Mosiac Mural Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 18, 2004
Artists work with students on mosaic mural project at pal
JACKSONVILLE, FL Nearly 100 local children have worked with two St. Augustine artists to complete a mosaic tile mural at the Police Athletic League (PAL) building at 2165 West 33rd Street. The project was commissioned by the city’s Art in Public Places Program. Artists Jan Master and Wendy Mandel McDaniel have designed a 406 square-foot mosaic project which flanks the entry walls, outside columns and the entrance archway of the building, is used primarily for after school and athletic programs.
“This art work is truly a blessing to our organization and the community,” said Lieutenant L.V. “Buddy” Hayes, executive director of PAL. “We are looking forward to sharing this inspirational work with the public and with the many children who pass through the halls of PAL.” The artists worked with students at the PAL in both their after school and summer camp programs. Students have helped by creating the tile designs and are assisting with the installation of the work. As individual artists, Jan Master and Wendy Mandel McDaniel have exhibited widely and completed both public and private commissions. Their design was influenced by the colorful mosaic columns of the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, Spain.
“The imagery which includes spirals, butterflies, and harlequin shapes represents the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the children,” said Master. “In addition, the entrance walls and canopy are inscribed with words of inspiration for the children to see every day as they enter and leave the building.” The project will be completed by the end of July. An official dedication of the building, to be announced at a later date, will include the children, police officers, elected officials and the artists. The project was funded through the Art in Public Places Ordinance which allows for the dedication of three-quarters of one percent of construction and design costs of new or renovated public facilities for the purchase of public art.
Over $2.5 million has been generated for the public art fund since the ordinance was passed, most of it coming from recent Better Jacksonville Plan projects including the new Arena, Ballpark, and the downtown Main Library. Art Selection Committees are made up of members of the general public, arts professionals, architects and staff from the selected sites. The Art in Public Places Program is directed by the City’s appointed Public Art Commission, with administrative services provided by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
For more information on Jacksonville’s public art program, contact the Art in Public Places office at 358-3600, or visit the Web site at www.culturalcouncil.org.