Public Art Projects

 
 
First illustration contains the design for the mural. It contains silhouettes of people of all ages moving towards the Public Market on Main St. Illustrated by umbrellas.
There are also sailboats in the Manatee River with the incorporation date of Bradenton (5-19-1903) on one of the sails. Above the river is a glorious sunset with all of the colors,
including the "Green Flash". Second photo is the mural wall on the northwest side of the parking facility.
 
Mural at City Centre Parking Facility
 
Local artist and resident of the Village of the Arts, Mary Fragapane, was awarded the contract to create a mural on the northwest side of the City Centre Parking Facility, near City Hall. Entitled "The Architecture of the Community," the mural celebrates the essence of Bradenton, highlighting its people, community, gatherings, and significant events. 
 

Mural Artist Statement “The Architecture of Community”. 

Artist: Mary Fragapane

"While contemplating the design for this mural, I really wanted to create something that spoke to the soul of Bradenton. In the 8 years I’ve lived here, I’ve come to see Bradenton as a dynamic, future focused city with a small-town vibe.

Bradenton is home to so many growing families and a thriving community of young entrepreneurs that really, really love their city. Community is at the heart of Bradenton and that community thrives in its vibrant downtown. So, this mural is about the people, about community, the places we gather and the events that we attend. It’s about what it means to live in a place where you can run into your child’s teacher at the farmers market, or an old friend during a trip to city hall. It’s about the people, and growth and the future but, I also wanted to incorporate a nod to the past, to where we’ve come from, and that is why I have included Bradenton’s date of incorporation, disguised as racing numbers in the sail."

 

This mural not only beautifies our cityscape but also tells the story of Bradenton's vibrant spirit and rich heritage.

  
 
 
 
12 pieces of brightly colored panels all connected with various words that answer the question, "Who Are We?"
 
Temporary Community Art displayed in City Hall
 
Teens from the Bradenton Boys and Girls Club recently collaborated on a mural project with artist and Teens Fine Art Program Specialist, Annie Dong. In 2023, Ms. Dong created a public art mural with the Bradenton Boys and Girls Club at Art Center Sarasota. Now a senior at New College, her thesis “Impacting the Community: Public Art and Murals,” explores the impact of community mural projects on adolescents' well-being. The project, titled “Who Are We?" confirmed her theory, with students feeling more connected to one another after participating. The request to place this community art piece in City Hall was brought before City Council on March 27, 2024, and unanimously approved.
 

The art piece can be viewed in the Main Lobby of City Hall, located at 101 Old Main Street, Bradenton.

City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 
Aerial view of proposed Singing River sculpture in background. Foreground shows the tube designs sunset color palette of colorful oranges, pinks, and golden yellows.
 
COMING SOON! The Singing River - Update on upcoming Mineral Springs Park Sculpture
to be located at Riverwalk East
 
On February 29, 2024, the CRA Board approved the updated concept design for the Singing River Sculpture for Mineral Springs Park at Riverwalk East. The project is expected to be complete, and the sculpture and signs installed in the spring of 2025.
 
 
Background Information on The Singing River
 
Concept design by Reinaldo Correa Design Studio LLC. “The Singing River” © 2023. 
A concept design of a brightly colored public art piece resembling the movement of a river in red, pink, purple, and yellow orange attached to tall steel poles.
 

The Public Art Advisory Board hosted a Call for Artists for the Mineral Springs Park at Riverwalk East Public Art Project in spring of 2023. The board reviewed 119 entries, interviewed eleven applicants and listened to live presentations from three finalists on May 23, 2023.

The three finalists were Reinaldo Correa, Allison Newsom, and Joshua Wiener. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously for their recommendation of artist Reinaldo Correa on May 25, 2023.

Congratulations to Reinaldo and to the team at Reinaldo Correa Studio!

 

On June 20, 2023, the Community gathered in Old Manatee at 426 9th St. to listen to the presentation of the design, to meet the artist, Reinaldo Correa, and to provide feedback on the concept.

 

HERE ARE SOME OF THE SURVEY RESULTS:


33% of people surveyed lived within 1 mile of the sculpture, 53% lived within 2-10 miles of the sculpture, 47% and visited the park very often. There was a very positive response to the design, with 100% saying they liked the design! Many people shared good thoughts and ideas to be considered.

Interpretive sign design by Reinaldo Correa Design Studio LLC. 2023.  © 2023. 
4 different shapes, left, one tall column, one large thin sign with a cutout of the edge of the Manatee River, one smaller upright rectangular sign, and one slanted sign.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Check out the links below for information about this special place and project, as well as general information about the history of the Mineral Springs along with a 360 view of the park!     

 

VIRTUAL TOUR OF MINERAL SPRINGS PARK: https://tours.axis360media.com/tours/RlprNbMjF

 

HISTORY OF THE MINERAL SPRING

The history of the Native Americans and Angolans at the Mineral Spring: https://reflectionsofmanatee.org/

For more historic information, visit: https://www.manateevillage.org/ 

https://www.manateeclerk.com/departments/historical-resources/manatee-county-historical-records-library/

https://cdm16681.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/

 

For information about “The Singing River” visit: https://trippingonlegends.com/2021/01/16/travel-log-the-singing-manatee-river-in-bradenton-florida/