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That's 'Lealman' with a capital 'L'

A giant concrete "L" at Lealman Park, covered in glass mosaic tiles, is decorated with inspiration from local elementary children.

By ROBBYN MITCHELL
Published June 28, 2006

Adding a new dimension of culture and a landmark to the formerly overlooked Lealman Park, the "Lealman L" is the product of a collaborative effort.

The 14½-foot-high concrete L, covered in multicolored glass mosaic tiles, is part of the public art project for the Pinellas County Arts Council.

The wheels began turning when money was first allocated to the Public Art and Design Committee for the Lealman area in 2003, said Mark Flickinger, the director.

The commmittee met with the Lealman Community Association to decide the next steps.

"We have a list of almost 1,500 artists that we keep who are interested in projects like this," Flickinger said. "We sent them each a postcard advertising, and we also put up notices on the Web."

The call turned out 50 artists with proposals for the arts-in-public-places contract. Four were flown in to meet with the Lealman Community Association, which made the final decision.

"We had a panel of six or seven," said Ray Neri, president of the Lealman association and a resident since 1952. "We were basically looking for a project that involved the community in some way."

Stephanie Jaffe Werner, the artist who created the L concept, included the children of Lealman Elementary in her proposal.

"She proposed that the children draw pictures of what they would like to see on the L," Flickinger said.

Neri said that was what sold the committee.

The project began in February 2005. It cost more than $45,000, including the concrete, glass and Werner's commission, Flickinger said.

Neri said community members are happy with the outcome, especially when they consider how the children were involved.

The city is refencing Lealman Park and will move the fence behind the new neighborhood landmark.

"I think they are going to like it," Neri said. "That would really display the beauty of the work."

[Last modified June 28, 2006, 08:38:19]