JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Duval County Courthouse plaza is officially getting a newer, more artistic look!
The Cultural Council’s Art in Public Places team revealed the design Tuesday that was picked to adorn the 3-acre lawn in front of the building.
By unanimous vote and perfect score, Cliff Garten Studio of Venice, California, was selected from three finalists after a nationwide search that included more than 100 submissions.
Garten will construct and reveal his project during the city’s bicentennial year and for the 10th anniversary of the Courthouse building.
“At a time when we are reassessing what a public monument means, we are in need of new models for how a public sculpture is made -- so that the place it forms is inclusive of everyone,” Garten said.
The inspiring sculpture entitled “These Truths” will feature two flowing ribbons of stainless steel, emblazoned with the words “justice,” “equality,” “equity,” and “freedom” to frame the entrance to the Courthouse. Those ribbons will also have writings from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and five local poets and authors engraved on its surface. The words will be illuminated at night, telling the story of the community’s continued push toward justice and equality.
“This is iconic and thoughtful piece will be a proud symbol of our community and a monument for four of our nation’s most sacred ideals,” Mayor Lenny Curry said. “I am grateful for the great collaboration from the Cultural Council’s Art in Public Places team, the Art Selection Panel, the Art in Public Places Committee, and members of the community for their contributions in this effort.”
As Interim Director for the city’s Public Art Program, Jen Jones Murray couldn’t be more excited.
“There are so many elements of the power of public art that I could truly go on and on!” Murray said. “It increases civic pride, it brings community members together to see each other and to share a common history.”
The project, which carries a $619,000 budget, is expected to take about 10 months to complete.
The artwork is underwritten by the Percent for Art program, which is managed by the Art in Public Places program and facilitated by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.