Public Art and Design Board Meeting – May 14, 2026

The Public Art and Design Board of Clearwater, Florida met on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting was chaired by Brian Lawton and included introductions of board members, updates on mural festivals, approval of 3D art pieces for the Beach Walk, and discussion of future murals at City Hall and BayCare Sound. Board officers were elected for the remainder of 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Art Oasis Mural Festival Update: Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brace reported that three murals have been completed in the North Greenwood area: at the North Greenwood Library (artist Ashley Cassins, funded by the Clark Turner Trust, featuring a tribute to Clearwater’s first African American librarian Christine Woodball Morris and a NASA ambassador reference), the Safe House (depicting the nonprofit’s community work), and Cherry Harris Park (artist Zulu Painter, a six-sided colorful piece). Upcoming murals include the East A Gully Center Head Start building (artist Sherard Sadlers, with permission from the subject), the Let’s Go Carding Building on Fort Harrison (CRA-approved), the North Greenwood Rec Center storage building (public survey for themes underway), and the Parks Beautification Building on Pennsylvania Avenue (largest mural, community input). A neighborhood celebration is planned upon completion.
• Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival: Amber Brace announced Clearwater’s first Chalk the Bay festival, scheduled for January 16–17, 2027, with artists beginning work on January 15. Approximately 50 artist submissions have been received (goal of 80–100). The event will feature 2D/3D chalk art, temporary mural walls, live music, arts/crafts vendors, food vendors, and an artist dinner with awards hosted by the Arts Alliance. Additional activations may include a movie in the park and a neon 5K color run. Brace will seek funding from the Downtown Development Board in July and pursue sponsorships.
• Beach Walk 3D Art Pieces: Parks and Recreation installed three concrete pads along the Clearwater Beachwalk with bike racks and water fountains. Artist Laura Thomas (known for the Marymount mural and 3D chalk art) designed three pieces: seashells, stone crop, and a tarpon. The board unanimously approved the three designs after a motion and second. A protective coating will be applied, with touch-ups expected every three years.
• New City Hall Stairwell and BayCare Sound Murals: The highest-scoring artists from a recent call for proposals have been identified. Five artists will develop proposals for two projects: the BayCare Sound rear facade wall and the City Hall stairwell (visible through glass). Proposals are pending; they will be shared with the board and stakeholders for feedback. An official board vote is scheduled for the July 9 meeting, as the City Hall project must open in October.
• Elect Chair and Vice-Chair: Brian Lawton was nominated and elected Chair, and Dr. Greg Bird was nominated and elected Vice-Chair for the remainder of 2026 (July 9 and October 8 meetings, plus any special meetings). The motion passed unanimously.
• Director’s Report: An art teacher exhibition will open next week at the Clearwater Main Library galleries. Signal box wraps on the beaches, damaged by hurricanes, will be rewrapped using existing funds while awaiting new boxes.
• Board Members to be Heard: Board members discussed including local youth artists in the Chalk the Bay festival (emerging artist section on Cleveland Street and a kids’ chalk area). Greg Bird suggested inviting the Pinellas Youth Symphony (which rehearses at Ruth Eckert Hall) to perform downtown; Brace will check with the special events team. A proposal to promote gladiolas as a Clearwater identity symbol (similar to Dunedin’s oranges) was raised, possibly as an Arts Alliance fundraiser selling painted art for homes and businesses. Sherry Aquilar and Jake will bring the idea to the Arts Alliance board. Discussion also touched on lighting the City Hall stairwell mural at night; Mark Lutz noted potential challenges with hurricane codes and fire marshal requirements, but suggested internal illumination could make the art visible through glass.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the February 12, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Unanimous approval of three 3D art designs for the Clearwater Beach Walk concrete pads.
• Unanimous election of Brian Lawton as Chair and Dr. Greg Bird as Vice-Chair for the remainder of 2026.
• Next meeting: July 9, 2026, at which an official vote on the City Hall stairwell and BayCare Sound mural proposals is expected.