Title
A Resolution of the City Commission approving the long-term loan of five Jean Ward sculptures to The Underline for installation within The Underline, Coral Gables Section, (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel, approval/denial vote: 7 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0); authorizing the City Manager or his or her designee and City Attorney to negotiate an agreement with The Underline and any other required entity.
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The Underline approached the City of Coral Gables with a request to place five Jean Ward sculptures currently in the city’s public art collection within The Underline section of Coral Gables.
Jean Ward was an important Florida artist of the post-1950s and had a significant connection to the University of Miami before passing away at the young age of 45.
Parker Thomson, a prominent Coral Gables resident, was a great admirer of Jean Ward’s work and facilitated seven of ten donated sculptures after the Artist’s passing. Mr. Thomson is the father of Meg Daly, founder and Executive Chair of The Underline. Following her father’s example, Meg Daly is a strong proponent of the arts and has facilitated a nationally recognized public art program with permanent and temporary artworks proposed and placed along The Underline’s ten miles of linear park space.
The Underline is requesting the five sculptures to be installed within the Rock Ridge Plaza, close to the entrance of the University of Miami.
Three of the proposed sculptures are in Ingraham Park and have been previously identified for removal and extensive restoration, including engineering and construction of new bases. Two of the sculptures have been restored and are in storage.
All five pieces require re-painting to black, in keeping with the artist’s original intention, and as recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel and Cultural Development Board.
Current Status of Jean Ward sculptures in the city’s collection (seven large scul...
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