The St. Augustine City Commission faced public criticism over a $250,000 sculpture project but still voted to approve it at their November meeting.
The commission had chosen the design, created by Harvard-educated artist Ivan DePena, in August after a yearlong search. Last month, they finalized the contract for the Miami-based artist to build the sculpture at a busy road leading to Vilano Beach. The area includes a heavily used roundabout.
However, once images of the sculpture started circulating online, complaints grew. Many people questioned why a local artist wasn’t selected, while others criticized the design itself.
Mixed Reactions from Commissioners
Commissioner Cynthia Garris opposed the project, saying she couldn’t justify spending so much money when residents were struggling with water damage in their homes.
“I personally can’t justify in my mind how we are worried about something that’s on an intersection when we have people struggling to stay in their homes because of water damage,” she said.
She added that one resident told her it looked like an “igloo” and worried it could become a shelter for homeless people. Garris agreed with that concern.
On the other hand, Commissioner Barbara Blonder supported the sculpture, arguing that public art helps bring pride to the community and improves the city in the long run.
“I’m hoping it can help change the entire entryway from the north,” she said. “And make it way better than it is right now.”
Commissioner Jim Springfield admitted he wasn’t fully convinced about the project.
“In my heart, for this piece of art, I want to vote no,” he said.
However, he ultimately approved the contract, saying it was too late in the process to back out.
Defending the Artist Choice
Commissioner Roxanne Horvath defended DePena’s selection, saying she had to clarify her stance after being misquoted in local news. She also reassured the public that the selection process was fair and that the city had received nearly 100 artist submissions.
“We had very qualified artists in our city,” she said. “I know not everyone will love this piece. But I’m confident that it will be unique, and there will be controversy no matter what you do.”
Despite the criticism, the commission moved forward with the project, ensuring that DePena’s sculpture will become part of St. Augustine’s landscape.
