Official ceremony introduces POLY, Sarasota’s newest public art addition

blue and white metal sculpture
Photo courtesy of the City of Sarasota.

An official ceremony will introduce POLY, Sarasota’s newest public art addition. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, at the entrance to Whitaker Gateway Park, 1445 N. Tamiami Trail, adjacent to the statue’s placement within the U.S. 41 – 14th Street roundabout. The City Commissioners and artist Josh de Sousa will be present, along with a representative from the Public Art Committee. The public is welcome to attend.

On Jan. 8, a team from the New York-based art studio Hou de Sousa installed a 20-foot, 2.7-ton public art sculpture called Poly at the U.S. 41-14th Street roundabout. The piece arrived in two sections and was set in place within six hours. While the final installation was quick, the sculpture’s overall completion was prolonged. The piece was originally commissioned in 2019 for $208,000, but, according to the city, COVID-related supply chain issues and prohibitive construction costs stalled progress for nearly six years.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “We’re thrilled this beautiful sculpture is now part of the community, and it will be enjoyed by residents and visitors. Poly underscores how much we appreciate and value the cultural arts in Sarasota.”

Poly marks sixth art piece in Sarasota roundabouts

Poly’s addition to Sarasota’s public art scene brings the total of public works to more than 95. As for artwork within the city’s roundabouts, Poly marks the sixth installation that’s either completed or in progress.

Poly will be lit by exterior illumination in the evening, transforming the design into a bright beacon. According to a post by the City of Sarasota, the design complies with Department of Transportation safety guidelines, ensuring motorists can travel without distraction or obstruction.

A formal ceremony welcoming Poly into Sarasota’s public art scene will be announced soon.

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