Only in O-Town: A Tour of the City's Artistic Treasures

By Katie Beougher
Monday, June 8, 2009

Art is not only found in hidden galleries and entry-feed museums in our city beautiful. In many places, it is free to see these unique pieces of work. The City of Orlando's Public Art Program maintains a list of major works located far and wide throughout the city. Armed with camera and comfy walking shoes, I decided to take a tour and see these free masterpieces up close.

The Orange Avenue Arch @ Wall Street Plaza
I started my tour at Wall Street -- specifically the Orange Avenue Arch. The arch was created by Cal LaFollette and Kyle and dedicated in 1999 for neighborhood renewal, according to its plaque. I've seen the arch over Wall Street before and I never gave it much thought. Now I admire the touch of orange trees along the top, homage to the street, I presume, and the unity it grants overarching.

The Tower of Light & Legacy @ City Hall
First sight seen, I headed down Orange Avenue, past the CityArts Factory, and on to City Hall. Here of course is the noted Tower of Light sculpture by Ed Carpenter, which in my opinion, vaguely resembles an artichoke. You may have noticed it at the end of Orange Avenue; it is a Space Age spire of glass and metal. The Tower of Light is a fitting name for it, and I never knew that that was what it was called. Also in front of City Hall is Legacy, by Studio EIS. It celebrates the World Cup's 10th Anniversary.

Celestial Joy @ the City of Orlando garage
I next walked down South Street to the City of Orlando parking garage to see the Celestial Joy sculpture by Dorothy Gilespie. Since this sculpture hangs down the middle of the up/down ramp, it left me a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out how to take a picture of it, since I couldn't very well stand in the middle of the ramp and risk being run over by a car. I ended up taking the picture from the roof. Enjoy! I certainly did. The day's breeze made the colorful ornaments chime ever-so-lightly.

Wing Stepper @ Loch Haven Park
My downtown walk was done, but my art tour was not over. I stopped by Loch Haven Park to see some more artwork. I almost missed Jackie Ferrar's Wing Stepper. I've probably passed it a million times but never given it much thought. It looks like a good place to give a speech, play, or have lunch. Pets are probably optional.

The Rocket Thrower @ Loch Haven Park
The Rocket Thrower by Donald DeLue, on the other hand, holds a much clearer place in my memory. Whether this is due to its prominent place at the entrance of Loch Haven Park, or just my frequent visits to the place lately, it is up for debate. In any case, I really enjoyed the sculpture. Its dynamism is unmatched.

Recycled Liberty & Quest Eternal @ the Mennelo Museum of Art
Next I moved across the street to Recycled Liberty by Jim Lackey at the Mennelo Museum of Art. Last, but not least on my tour of art is another Donald DeLue sculpture, Quest Eternal. It, too, is dramatic, but I think it would look better if that tree was trimmed, allowing the statue to truly reach for the sky.

Go on your own walking tour of the city's art!
All in all, I saw eight major works, all the while enjoying the bustle of downtown and the quiet of Loch Haven. There are 26 total major works listed at the City or Orlando arts Web site. Beautiful art is available in a great variety of places. I encourage you to embark on your own cultural tour of the city: here's a map I would recommend -- See the Map

(Photo Source: All photos by Katie Beougher)