The Delray Beach Gateway was completed in spring of 2013 by San Antonio artist Michelle Newman. It was commissioned by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency to flank the entrance to Delray Beach. This installation was part of the he Downtown Delray Beach Master Plan, adopted March, 19, 2002 which represents the citizens' plan for the unification and future growth of the downtown area. The total cost of the project, was $1,182,842, with the majority paid by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and $200,000 paid by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The purpose of the installation is to act as a gateway into downtown Delray Beach.
The installation is six, 28 foot high free form pieces that represent the cultural history and natural beauty of Delray Beach. The geometric tiles resembles the mosaic work done by the Seminole Indians. Gladioli represent the long running Gladioli Festival, now called the Delray Affair and the pineapples are a reminder of how important they were to Delray Beach's economy in the pioneer days. Also added to the area as part of the project were sidewalks, landscaped berms, and trellises cascading with bougainvillea. At night the art work is lit up.
I have always admired these columns when entering Delray Beach. Usually I am driving by too fast to catch all of the details. It was nice to finally park, walk around, and really look at them. The side walk running past the installation is a nice feature so you can safely walk down and appreciate how large scale these pieces really are. read more