City unveils ‘Sailing’ sculpture in South Cape
The Community Redevelopment Agency in the South Cape has been working to make the area an artistic destination.
In April, the city unveiled its art-wrapped utility boxes along Southeast 47th Terrace, and on Wednesday it unveiled a new sculpture that will stand tall on the roundabout on Southeast 47th Terrace at Vincennes Boulevard.
The sculpture was actually placed there last week and has been viewed publicly for about a week. Wednesday marked the celebration of the new artwork, with several city dignitaries on hand.
The sculpture, named “Sailing,” was created by Gus and Lina Ocamposilva, who were not at the event. They have worked with many materials, including stainless steel, clay aluminum, cast stone and resin and have 17 sculptures located throughout the state.
The husband/wife duo was named by the CRA from a field of 83 artist applicants to create a sculpture for the community. It was a project that was planned two years ago, but got delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“They are familiar with creating art that can withstand the Florida weather, with wind and rain to the relentless heat we are dealing with right now,” said Melissa Mickey, the city communications manager.
The sculpture cost the city about $50,000 and took nearly a year to complete, and is a part of a continuous effort by the CRA and the city to enhance the visual landscape of the South Cape.
Councilmember Gloria Tate said it was an exciting day at the CRA and that the artwork would help community spirit and exemplifies what Cape Coral is all about.
“So, if it embodies community spirit then you can look at ‘Sailing’ and know this is exactly what we are. We are a waterfront wonderland. At least that is what we were dubbed in 1958,” Tate said. “The community values color, fun and the environment. Public art honors our city throughout the CRA.”
Linda Biondi, CRA president, said the CRA has tried to make the area as pretty and friendly as possible.
“All of our artists in the city have contributed something to this, whether it was the art for the boxes or for the sculpture,” Biondi said. “We were lucky that Gus and Lina were available to do this for us. Their work is in New York, Chicago, L.A., Miami and now Cape Coral.”
Mayor John Gunter said when you see things like the sculpture in the city, it takes a lot of people to make it possible and make the city better than it was yesterday.
“We need to make sure the decisions we make today will impact our residents tomorrow. I’m looking to bring in more arts and culture downtown,” Gunter said. “I go to Fort Myers frequently for some events. I can’t see why we can’t have those events here.”
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com