Alachua County issues call to artists for sculpture
Press release from Alachua County
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alachua County is excited to announce a call for artists to help design a unique outdoor sculpture that embodies the theme of justice for the new courthouse complex, slated for completion in early 2026.
Inspired by the iconic Contemplation of Justice statue and the Authority of Law statue at the U.S. Supreme Court, this project seeks an original, figurative artwork that reflects the spirit of justice without replicating these existing pieces.
Artists are encouraged to explore innovative concepts that resonate with the community’s values and vision for justice.
Submission details are as follows:
- Deadline: Proposals are due by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
- Budget: The total budget for the sculpture is $100,000.
- Submission platform: All entries must be submitted via OpenGov.
We look forward to seeing the creativity and talent in our community come to life for this significant public art project.
In case anyone wonders. Funds for these “art in public places” projects come from the sale of the “Arts” license plates and grants.
I’m not sure there are enough of those tags sold in this county to collect more than a few hundred dollars. Additional money has to come from somewhere.
It would be nice but let’s be honest: the selected statue is not going to be anything even remotely similar to the proposed inspirations.
We’re either getting George Floyd dressed in drag or a rusty shopping cart decorated with trash and used needles.
I’d be okay if they sculpted an image of a person and money on opposite sides of a scale, and it wasn’t weighted to favor either position.
Use a rolled version of the US Constitution, (with the Preamble or other identifiable feature), pronounced and visible as the beam connecting the 2 trays, to illustrate the intended equality of justice.
FYI the sculpture in the photo (also on the AC News press release) is in front of the US Supreme Court building, installed in 1935, and described by the sculptor as “a realistic conception of what I consider a heroic type of person with a head and body expressive of the beauty and intelligence of justice. A book of laws supports her left arm and a figure of blindfolded Justice is in her right hand.” I’m certain that Alachua County taxpayers won’t be lucky enough to get anything nearly as dignified, it will probably be P.Diddy picturesquely freebasing, or a box of french fries turned upside down and entitled “the justified end of capitalism.”
Save the taxpayers some money and bring back ol’ joe or some used confederate generals from elsewhere…this is for the criminal courthouse on Main Street street?
No hope for something nice.
Just look at the sculpture at County Building. I can’t even describe it but looks like a Turd.
How about another chicken because they give the taxpayers
The bird
A revolving door with a wad of cash going in circles inside.
Probably be a giant duck with little meaning or significance
Alachua county always finds a way to spend money on everything EXCEPT roads.
🕳️🚗💨
City and County officials get off your laurels and pay the damn bills. Quit showing off for nice recognition from other little cities like ours. Oh wait, they might have better credit ratings.
For the criminal courthouse?
Do something meaningful & educational:
a prisoner with a ball & chain or a chain gang.
That will make you think twice about breaking the law or being a convicted felon with a gun.
Get ready for the “Don’t Tase Me Bro” memorial statute! smh
To all those saying this is a waste of money and all County art is garbage…you do realize that the County paid District 3 candidate Jen Garrett almost $60k for a sculpture at the Sports and Event Center. It is the sculpture called Bounce.
They are the Big Balls of “Alachua County.”
Also note the Balls are not installed where they were supposed to be, they are not installed on county property, they were movd and illegally installed on private property.
But then, the county manager allows Celebration Pointe to do whatever they want to, and writes them a taxpayer check to pay for it.
I cannot wait for a RICO grand jury to look into all things Celebration Pointe.
It is a waste a waste of money.
Don’t forget though, one man’s treasure is another man’s garbage.
“original, figurative artwork”
It is going to be a terrible mess.
Oh boy, can’t wait to see this sculpture I foresee some modernistic garbage that resembles nothing. I hope I’m wrong.
How about Shaq in a Shaq Fu pose?
Only one thing appropriate. A ten foot high statute of a judge in robes standing in front of the building with a big smile. He/she/it/they have their arm extended, handing probation/release papers to a 77 time felon. Other arm behind their back, while their palm is loaded with bags of campaign donation cash from the bail bond industry. The statue is named “What We Do in Dis Building.”