I had horses growing up, so when I spotted this public artwork while driving through Boynton Town…read moreCenter on Congress Avenue, I had to stop and take a closer look. It came as no surprise to me that The Watering Hole: The Last Pasture, Five Horses was created by one of my favorite local artists, Mark Fuller. Fuller is a nationally recognized artist whose work has become somewhat synonymous with Palm Beach County. He is the environmental graphic and industrial designer behind the glittery butterfly sculpture in Palm Beach Gardens and the obelisk at Legacy Place. He also designed the fish and lizard cutouts on the sound barrier wall along Interstate 95, a children's memorial sculpture at a Burns Road park, Stent Tower in front of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, and the Fish Out of Water sculpture along the waterfront in West Palm Beach, along with many other pieces throughout the county. Mark Fuller was inspired to create these six-foot-tall horses by the history of the area. Before Boynton Town Center was built, this land served as pasture for horses and cattle. I love how these sculptures add beauty to the shopping center while paying homage to Boynton Beach's history.

A beautiful metal sculpture dubbed "The Branches" at the front of the Water Garden condos only a…read morefew steps from the New River. The artist Wayne Trapp sculpted this masterpiece in 2004 and was well known for his large outdoor exhibits. The sculpture provides a visual of curiosity for every owner or visitor of the Water Garden.

Since their first public art project, the covered bridge in 1963, Coral Springs has become one of…read morethe leading public art cities in south Florida. The art is paid for during development and redevelopment in the city. Fees are collected from permits during building construction and renovations in the city. None of the art is paid with public tax dollars. Give Them Wings is one of six installations in the new ArtWalk, an event and entertainment space in downtown Coral Springs. The ArtWalk is 1300 feet long and has benches, a seating wall, native plant landscaping, and room for event tents. It serves as a place for the city to display temporary art works, some of which they will eventually purchase. This butterfly is one of my favorite public art pieces in the ArtWalk. It was commissioned by the city of Coral Springs at a cost of $97,000. Artist Amie Jacobson created a 12.5 foot tall stainless steel butterfly with cast glass set into the wings. This piece is interactive because you can stand in front of the sculpture and it looks like you have wings coming out of your back. The name of the piece is taken from the quote "There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings." - A wise woman. We have a lot of butterflies in south Florida and it always gives me a little thrill to see one flitting around when I'm out in nature. I love the composition of this piece and what butterflies symbolize, a new beginning. This butterfly represents the growth and change in the city of Coral Springs. The interactive aspect of this work is a fun element that makes it perfect for your social media,

Looking Forward is a mural by Ernesto Maranje. You can find it on the City Hall Parking Garage in…read morethe Dania Beach Arts Park. The mural was created in 2024 using aerosol and house paint. I was already fan of Ernesto Maranje work from murals he completed in Ft. Lauderdale. Hollywood, and Miramar. Maranje is a Cuban-American artist born in Chicago, Illinois in 1983 and raised in Miami, Florida. He discovered his interest in art at 27 while serving in the Coast Guard. The subjects of his murals focus on flora and fauna, biological evolution, and plant and animal relationships. Maranje has created murals all over the United States and abroad. This mural is stunning. Maranje said the mural was inspired by the local plants and animals of South Florida. It features all of my favorite animals from the Everglades. The focal point is a Florida panther which is surrounded by an American alligator, roseate spoonbill, red-shouldered hawk, great blue heron, osprey, great egret, royal tern, and more. This colorful mural brings attention to the diverse fauna and flora of the Everglades and serves as a beautiful backdrop for Arts Park.

Since their first public art project, the covered bridge in 1963, Coral Springs has become one of…read morethe leading public art cities in south Florida. The art is paid for during development and redevelopment in the city. Fees are collected from permits during building construction and renovations in the city. None of the art is paid with public tax dollars. Gator and Grebe are located in the Coral Springs Sportsplex, a park that is on the edge of the Everglades. It seems fitting to have an art installation that pays tribute to the unique life found there. The alligator and egret sculptures were created in 2006 by artist Doug Makesman out of scrap metal and cast iron. You can find the real version of these guys across the street but I love this whimsical version of some of my favorite Everglades friends.

Lead with Love is a mural brightening up the newly renovated Huizenga Park. It is the fourth mural…read morein the Lead with Love mural series by renowned artist Cey Adams, created through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Broward and Business for the Arts Broward. You can find it on the wall that houses the restroom. Running from fall 2024 through 2027, the Lead with Love campaign will bring nine distinctive, love-themed murals to nine Broward County communities. The initiative uses public art to inspire unity, encourage cultural engagement, spark conversations, and bring a little more joy to the community. Cey Adams is an American visual artist, graphic designer, and author who served as the founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings. He has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, and Mary J. Blige. Adams began his career as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s and early 1980s and studied painting at New York's School of Visual Arts. His work has been exhibited alongside renowned artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. Today, Adams is internationally recognized for his influential contributions to hip-hop graphic design and contemporary art. Adams has previously created LOVE murals in cities including Detroit and Jackson, Michigan; New Bedford and Chelsea, Massachusetts; St. Paul, Minnesota; Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York; and North Omaha, Nebraska. Now, his work can be found right here in Broward County. The message behind these murals is such a great one, and it is always fun to spot a new one when it pops up. Other Lead with Love murals can be found along Las Olas Boulevard, in Kingsley Park in Plantation. Dania Beach, and on the Tamarac Community Center. The colorful, love-themed artwork also makes a great backdrop for photos. The next time you are in the park keep an eye out for the mural and spread the love.

This is one of my favorite public art pieces in Coral Springs. I pass it all the time traveling…read moreeast and west on Atlantic Boulevard. There is something about the elegant lines of the figures playing with a colorful ball that always puts a smile on my face. ColorPlay was created by award winning Columbus, Ohio artist Stephen Canneto in 2013. His art is displayed in Ohio, Maryland, Germany, and here in Coral Springs. About his art Canneto has said "I believe art is fundamental to community health. Art tells the stories of who we are, have been and are yet to become. Through it humanity comes to know itself. My goal is to create art that celebrates life, the human spirit and builds bonds between each other and the places we live, work and play. My commitment is to create enduring works and memorable experiences that impact individuals and communities long into the future." The art installation is 18 feet high and made out of stainless steel, colored glass, and concrete. The silver colored figures are meant to represent generations of people joined in work and play and the colors in the ball reflect the diversity in the city. ColorPlay was selected in a competition by the Coral Springs, Florida Arts Commission to create an art piece at the entrance to the city. Since their first public art project, the covered bridge in 1963, Coral Springs has become one of the leading public art cities in south Florida. The art is paid for with fees for development and redevelopment in the city. Fees are collected from permits during building construction and renovations in the city. The city agreed to purchase ColorPlay for $75,000 and the art was installed as part of Coral Springs 50th anniversary celebration. As you enter the city and see ColorPlay you are reminded that Coral Springs is a city with strong family ties and that it celebrates its residents. I really love the Coral Springs Public Art Program which seeks to not have art just be something you visit in a museum but is instead incorporated into our every day lives.

One of my favorite pieces of public art in Boca Raton can be found at Royal Palm Place, just off…read moreFederal Highway. Standing at the entrance is a 50 foot clock tower featuring an 11 foot high bronze statue of Addison Mizner with his beloved pet spider monkey, Johnnie Brown, holding his shoulder. Addison Mizner (1872-1933) was one of Florida's most influential architects and the leading figure behind the Mediterranean Revival style that shaped the architecture of South Florida during the 1920s. His legacy is especially visible throughout Boca Raton, where his visionary design can still be seen today. In 2005, inspired by Mizner's contributions to Boca Raton, philanthropists Jim and Marta Batmasian commissioned Colombian sculptor Cristobal Gaviria to create the bronze statue. The monument was placed in the downtown plaza owned by the Batmasians and dedicated in late March of that year. I love how the statue highlights not only Mizner's architectural genius but with the inclusion of johnnie brown, also his colorful personality. Known as the Human Monkey, Johnnie Brown would ride on Mizner's shoulder as they traveled along Worth Avenue and attended lavish parties and high society events. Backed by Mizner, Johnnie Brown even ran for mayor. At the dedication it was noted by City Councilman Peter Baronoff "To my understanding, it's the only monument of Addison Mizner in the whole city." Perched at the southern entrance to Boca Raton, Addison Mizner welcomes everyone to Boca Raton.