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Gulfport seeks ideas for outdoor public art
By ANGEL BEDINGHAUS ZENT GULFPORT -- Artists, let your creative juices flow. The city has set aside some dollars for outdoor public art and is soliciting ideas. During the March 18 meeting, the City Council agreed to release funds for two art projects -- one to be displayed at the Casino and the other in Tomlinson Lake Park. The money comes from a 1998 city resolution. Half of 1 percent of the cost of municipal construction projects (not to exceed $10,000) will be dedicated to public art. During the past year, both locations had major renovations. Jill Vines, community services director, who is coordinating the "call to artists," said the city is "sort of picking the artists' brains as far as what they see working." The Casino project, for which the city will pay $4,250, including installation and materials, has to withstand rain, sun and salt spray from Boca Ciega Bay. Also, because the Casino is a historical site, nothing can be attached to the building or alter its appearance. The work can be displayed on the bayside patio or the western entrance. The Tomlinson Park art budget is $2,695. Vines said the city wants to let the artists roam the park and decide for themselves the best location. The one restriction is the art cannot impede use of the park. Under the same program, the recreation center and the Catherine A. Hickman Theater have public artworks. For the Casino and Tomlinson projects, artists must submit six sets of their proposal, which must include a one-page, typewritten description and drawings or photos no larger than 81/2 by 11 inches. The deadline is 4:30 p.m. May 22. The proposals will be displayed throughout Gulfport. The Gulfport Public Arts Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the City Council, but the council will make the final choices, probably by the beginning of June. For more information, contact Vines at 893-1067.
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