City Council frustrated over delays in public art installation project.

Local artists have been granted a sixth extension to finalize the “Sunshine City Mosaic,” an 800-square-foot tile mosaic project located in Sunset Park in west St. Petersburg. Originally commissioned in August 2022 by the Public Arts Commission, the project aims to enhance the visual appeal of the park’s sidewalk with 15,000 intricately-designed tile pieces.

Concrete for the project was laid in April 2023, with artistic work commencing the following month. The talented team from Artonomy LLC, which includes artists Laura Spencer, Alex Kaufman, and George Retkes, was initially slated to complete the installation by December 2023. However, delays attributed to unforeseen circumstances and equipment availability have prompted multiple extensions.

Council Chairperson Copley Gerdes expressed enthusiasm regarding the project’s potential impact in District 1 but acknowledged his frustration over the current state of the installation. City council members have reluctantly supported the artists’ requests for additional time, recognizing both the project’s ambitious nature and the corresponding challenges.

Since the contract’s inception, the city has disbursed ,000 of the total ,000 budget, which officially ended in January. In March 2024, the artists received their second 90-day extension, with subsequent approvals for additional time in both November and December. The latest agreement obliges the artists to complete the project by May 1, but prolonged delays necessitate a new deadline of July 31.

During a recent council meeting, council member Gina Driscoll voiced concern about the impending deadline, noting that the lack of timely updates could lead to a loss of faith in the execution of the project. Spencer clarified that the team juggles their artistic commitments with full-time jobs, making it particularly difficult to coordinate access to specialized equipment required for the mosaic.

Furthermore, the onset of hurricane season disrupted progress, as the artists faced personal challenges in supporting their families through recovery efforts. The ongoing dialogue among council members reveals a tension between the need for flexibility and the insistence on accountability. Council member Lisset Hanewicz provided pointed criticism, emphasizing the importance of meeting contractual obligations while also expressing hope for a successful project outcome.

As of now, the artists assert that the project is nearing completion, claiming it is approximately 98% finished, though they remain cautious about potential weather-related setbacks. Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders has stated her reluctance to approve further extensions, stressing the need for decisiveness in managing the timeline of the project as city officials seek a final agreement.

James Corbett, city development administrator, is set to discuss a potential final timeline with the artists, and the council plans to review the revised contract by June 5. Amidst the ongoing challenges, Gerdes remains optimistic, affirming the collaborative spirit necessary to bring the vibrant mosaic to fruition and enhance the public park experience.

This development in the realm of public art illustrates both the creative aspirations of local artists and the complexities inherent in public funding and project management.