Orlando’s arts and culture community got a major boost with the official unveiling of eight permanent sculptures on a balmy Monday evening.
Two years in the making and with a price tag of $1 million raised from private funding, the iconic sculptures are part of the See Art Orlando collection, designed to enhance the aesthetic and cultural image of downtown Orlando.
With six of the sculptures located around Lake Eola and the remaining two a few blocks away, hundreds of local residents and visitors took the walking tour which kicked off at Seaside Bank Plaza on S. Orange Avenue where Astrogenesis II is located.
The eight internationally known artists who created the works of art were selected after more than 180 submissions from 16 countries and 36 states, were reviewed.
Astrogenesis IIÂ
Sculpted by Wendy Ross of Maryland, and rising 30 feet into the sky, Astrogenesis II symbolizes energy which is enhanced by 12 triangular “florets” that project upward toward a steel ball. Astrogenesis II glistens and quivers with the slightest of air currents and glows from within at night.
Global Convergence
Located at the History Center, this 12′ globe was created with cut-out patterns made from  industrial grade sheet aluminum welded to an aluminum frame. Depicting global interconnectedness, the patterns in the aluminum allow the panels to vibrantly showcase the school of Shoal Bass swimming in a blue hue cast from the interior LED lighting system, says Deedee Morrison, the sculptor.
The Muse of Discovery
Meg White’s monumental sculpture at Lake Eola is made from limestone and portrays a reclining woman gazing at her opened hand, large enough for a child or adult to sit, allowing visitors to be part of the sculpture. “This interactive piece invites anyone to sit in the hand of the Muse and discover your hidden potential as she whispers to you,” says White.
Take FlightÂ
On the water’s edge of Lake Eola, Take Flight is a silvery vision of a flock of birds ascending into the sky. Stretching about 25 feet, the birds are made from cast alloy and welded together to create the sculpture. This sculpture is the work of Douwe Blumberg and “embodies a spirit of freedom and transcendent joy.”
Union
Almost always in movement, Union is a group of six 25-feet tall steel aluminum poles adorned with numerous curved wings that rotate and intersect when a small breeze blows. Sculpted by Ralfonso Gschwend of West Palm Beach, each time Union is viewed, it never looks the same.
Monument in Right Feet Major
Inspired in part by the towering skyscrapers of New York City, this bronze sculpture rising more than 10 feet tall, is firmly grounded in the earth with two right feet, symbolizing determination. In creating this work, Todji Kurtzman was also inspired by young artists he knew at the time who were seeking to rise to the heights of their potential.
Cedar of Lebanon
This three-story-high sculpted tree, made from a combination of hand bent sprinkler pipes and mirrored stainless steel canopies representing the tree’s leaves, seeks to capture the community’s diversity, strength and elegance. Artist Jacob Harmeling says, “when the sculpture is lit from within, it represents the natural earthy elements that are found throughout Orlando’s vast landscape.”
Centered
As if standing guard, this 25-foot tall monumental steel sculpture is made of eight individual forms arching in perfect balance with a kinetic yellow that spins in the wind. From every angle, Centered appears to change its shape when viewed. That’s because each piece of this sculpture is fabricated in various widths and colors, says Oregon artist C. J. Rench. The yellow form in the center of the sculpture pays tribute to Orlando’s clear and sunny weather.
Asked what inspired the See Art Orlando project, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer had this to say:
“Great downtowns have great works of art,” he said. “It’s all about creating a great quality of life and art is a major part of the fabric of any community. This is something that will live on forever.”
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