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Letter to the editor

Next stop, something a little artsy, different

A project will enhance the city and bus system by turning a stop into public art.

By ANNE LINDBERG, Times Staff Writer
Published January 6, 2008

SEMINOLE - In a first for the county, a bus shelter is scheduled to become an artistic statement.

The shelter out front of the Park Street Retail Center in Seminole will look like a gazebo covered in palm fronds. The design, called "Gimme Shelter," will be installed by this summer after artist Mark Fuller fabricates it in his West Palm Beach studio.

Fuller beat out 39 other designs to win the project, which is jointly sponsored by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, the county's Cultural Affairs Department and the city of Seminole. The Sembler Co., which developed the Park Street Retail Center, also participated.

The project is designed to enhance the public transportation system and the city of Seminole by turning a bus shelter into a piece of public art.

If successful, the PSTA would like to expand the program to other bus shelters across the county.

"This beautiful new bus shelter is a functional work of art that can serve as an impetus for future transit amenities," said Tim Garling, PSTA executive director.

"The city of Seminole and the Sembler Co. are to be commended for making this first-of-its-kind investment in the community. We invite other cities and companies to join us in improving livability in Pinellas County by initiating their own bus shelter art projects."

Sharen Jarzen, a Seminole planner, said the city is thrilled to have the first public art bus shelter in Pinellas.

"It will be a real asset to the city, as well as Pinellas County," Jarzen said.

Fuller, the artist, has other works around the county. He was chosen in 2003 to create the "Track 2, #1-9" public art installations for the Pinellas County Arts Council. His nine colorful arcs of railroad-inspired community markers can be seen in various locations along the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.

Fuller's other projects include the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial for Hoboken, N.J., and recently Light Swimming for Palm Beach County's Art In Public Places.

The Park Street Retail Center is Seminole's newest shopping mecca. Located on the west side of Park Street, just north of Target and Sears, it is the home of Kohl's.

Ross, Total Wine, Famous Footwear and other stores are expected to open by March, said Sembler spokeswoman Amber Overby.

[Last modified January 5, 2008, 20:19:21]