Hey, West Enders! A “grow the arts” project is in the works in Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach is partnering with the Sunshine Art Center. The plan is to install marine life statues around Panama City Beach, and then allow some lucky locals, not professional artists, to customize the statues! Cool!
In an area dominated by tourism, Helen Ferrell, spokeswoman for the Sunshine Art Center, believes it’s time for the city to focus more on its residents and give them some artistic freedom.
It was this idea that paved the way for a recent partnership between her group and the city, which will work to install marine life statues around PCB that will be painted by select members of the community.
About the project, City Manager Tony O’Rourke says “We’re not hiring professional artists,” he said during the city council meeting. “The greatest art comes from the people.”
“… It’s an important investment to celebrate the identity and the character of this community, and the use of sea life, I think, is fantastic,”
I’m with Tony, I think this is fantastic, and I plan to apply. According to Helen Ferrell, spokeswoman for the Sunshine Art Center, they are currently working to complete the application. Once ready, interested parties can submit applications to beachartgroup@att.net.
