'Inspiration in the City' celebrates artists who have contributed public art to Clearwater

Clearwater celebrates cities public art

FOX 13 Photojournalist Barry Wong highlights an exhibit at the Clearwater Main Library that is celebrating artists who have contributed public art to the city.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - An exhibit at the Clearwater Main Library celebrates artists who have contributed public art to the city.

"Art that's out there in places for people to enjoy without a museum admission fee or anything, just out there to be part of our community, adding vibrancy to our public spaces," Clearwater Arts Alliance President Beth Daniels explained.

"Inspiration in the City" opened in October and will be on display until January 16. The featured artists have painted murals, built sculptures and created the art for wrapped signal boxes throughout the city.

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Donald Gialanella is a long-time public artist with work across the Tampa Bay area, including five pieces at Crest Lake Park in Clearwater.

"I thought it was a good idea to spread it out along the trail that goes around the lake, so it would be like an unfolding experience for people walking a loop of the lake," Gialanella said.

For the exhibit, Gialanella contributed three pieces, including a metal rabbit made from found objects.

"I think it's interesting to put details in there, so the viewer can immerse themselves in the piece as much as they want to," Gialanella said.

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Cecilia Lueza created a painting that highlights her deep love of nature and water, a much smaller piece compared to her everyday work. She’s painted multiple large-scale murals throughout Florida.

"I love creating monumental work that is going to reach many people," Lueza said. "It's going to uplift the public. It’s going to inspire the community."

Daniels hopes visitors to the exhibit will recognize the work, seek out the public pieces throughout Clearwater, and inspire ideas for future art in the city.

Most of the pieces in the exhibition are available for sale. For more information, click here.

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