Title
A Resolution of the City Commission accepting a donation from Friends of The Underline for a proposed artwork by artist Daniel Marosi (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel, approval/denial vote: 7 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 5 to 0) and authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with The Friends of The Underline in order to effectuate the donation.
Body
The Underline approached the City of Coral Gables with a proposed donation of a commissioned sculptural bench by artist Daniel Marosi for installation within the Coral Gables section of The Underline.
About the Artist:
Daniel Marosi is a professional artist with a practice that spans painting, sculpture, public art, and
commercial media, unified by an exploration of the visual language of graphic symbols and text.
Marosi designs each artwork to communicate a specific aesthetic with the potential to shape
behavior, reinforce identity, and create meaningful connection with a moment or a place. Marosi
creates visual experiences that belong to their location, always calibrated to the materials and
scale appropriate for each site.
Marosi’s work may be found in municipal, private, corporate, university, and museum collections. His public art commissions exhibit sensitivity to civic identity, architectural context, and the long-term durability a public installation demands. As an arts educator, the ability to inform and inspire students from youth art workshops to university design students is a defining principle in Marosi’s artistic career.
About the Artwork:
The Bernardo Wolfson Bench merges the streamline design of Art Deco with organic forms inspired by South Florida's natural landscape. Composed of a central section flanked by symmetrical wings, the bench creates a harmonious interplay of angular and curved elements that reference the distinctive features of Art Deco.
The structure's commanding eight-foot height transforms it from mere street furniture into a captivating landmark for The Underline. Its powder-coated matte aluminum surface gleams in sunlight while providing heat-resistant, comfortable seating for up to eighteen visitors. Design motifs throughout the piece reference classic elements of Art Deco including marquees, ocean waves, local wildlife, and the geometric details reminiscent of golden-age cruise ships.
Following the gentle curve of the pedestrian path, the bench has uniform 21-inch-deep seating, open ends for stroller and wheelchair accessibility, and decorative armrests positioned to resist napping and skateboard grinding. The seat height is a standard 18 inches with a bull nosed front rail for comfort.
Location:
As noted in the proposal, Friends of The Underline is requesting permission to place the donated artwork on the Coral Gables section of The Underline along Ponce de Leon Blvd between Granada Blvd. and Sistina Ave.
Signage:
Signage is recommended to follow the design standards of The Underline for consistency with other artworks throughout The Underline. The artwork will be recognized as being a part of the city’s public art collection with added text “not to climb the artwork.”
Funding:
Funding for the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation is through Friends of The Underline.
Maintenance:
The cost of annual maintenance is anticipated to be minimal and is being proposed through use of the general fund as ordinary maintenance and will be included as part of the city’s annual public art maintenance plan.
The donation proposal was presented to the Arts Advisory Panel on July 29, 2026, by The Friends of The Underline curator Rina Gitlin, along with the artist. Panel members discussed the artwork, location, and maintenance before voting unanimously to recommend approval of the proposal to the Cultural Development Board.
The Cultural Development Board reviewed the donation proposal on August 12, 2026, and made a motion recommending approval of the donation and proposal location within the Coral Gables section of The Underline.
Recommended Action
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