As a kid growing up, I visited the Orlando International Airport many times for family vacations and when my Dad was coming or going on a business trip. On one of these visits, I noticed the “silver people” standing tall by the main terminal pointing up into the sky. Every time we visited thereafter, I’d look for them and wonder what was so interesting way above.

What I didn’t realize (or think about) back then, was that this was art. Public art to be exact.

Titled, “At the Airport,” the brushed, stainless steel structures are a sculpture by William King that was unveiled Feb. 14, 1983. King’s works are based on his observations of people - their actions distilled to basic gestures and presented with a warm sense of humor. Sounds a lot like our “silver people”.

Wikipedia defines public art as “works of art in any media that have been planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in the public domain, usually outside and accessible to all.” From public plazas and parks to the interiors of many buildings, public art is everywhere. Central Florida is no exception.

In addition to “At the Airport,” there are dozens - if not hundreds - of public art pieces on display around Central Florida. While many of these works are sculptures, there also are paintings, murals, mosaics, mobiles and even interactive exhibits all considered as public art. For example, “Citrus Sky,” a brightly colored large-scale mobile by John Robert Wolfe, hangs gracefully above the main seating area in the Winter Garden branch of the Orange County Library system.

Overseeing much of this art is the Orange County Art and Cultural Affairs office. Located in Downtown Orlando, this office is responsible for administering Orange County’s investment in the arts and culture of our community. From studying ways to promote artistic excellence in the County, to reviewing and recommending funding for the arts and cultural events, activities and facilities, they make the decisions that guide the direction of art in Orange County.

Terry Olson, director of the Art and Cultural Affairs office, explains these decisions are not made independently. Along with art experts, review panels often include people from local neighborhoods to help determine a project’s goals.

“Public art is a public process and many people are involved,” he says. “A proper public art project becomes a source of pride for the area.”

Some of the latest public art projects include pieces at the Renaissance Senior Center in Orlando and at the new Cooperative Extension Education Center on Conway. One project that may be in the works includes a partnership with the Orlando Magic in their building of five community gymnasiums around the county. More proof that the public art scene will continue to grow well into the future.

“I’m excited about the number of programs created in Central Florida,” Olson says. “It is the expressions of artists that make us stop and think, which creates a real interest for life.”

If you’re interested in seeing some of these works, there are resources available to help you find them. The Art and Cultural Affairs office recently added public art to the Orange County INFOMAP. This interactive tool allows users to select items from a menu to see where they are located. For this case, click on “Public Services” and then check “Art, Murals and Memorials”.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll post some pictures of the public art in the area. If you’ve got any photos of your favorites, feel free to send them along.

Photo credits
“At the Airport” - provided by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
“Citrus Sky” - provided by Katie Ball

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