Miami Art and Public Places Board Special Meeting: September 23, 2026

The Art and Public Places Board (AIPPB) held a special meeting on September 23, 2026, chaired by acting Chair Christina Cuevo. The board addressed several public art projects, including finalist selections for affordable senior housing (Flagler Villas), a new pocket park honoring Celia Cruz (Plaza Azucar), and a direct acquisition for Silver Bluff Dog Park. A fee waiver for stormwater pump station upgrades was also approved. The meeting featured presentations by staff, artists, and Commissioner Rosado (District 4). Notable outcomes include approval of Alex Nunez and Dana Montlack for Flagler Villas, selection of Alex Kaufman over the PAC-recommended artist for Plaza Azucar after discussion with the commissioner's office, and authorization of the Color Dreamers for Silver Bluff.

Election of Acting Chair

• Board member Christina Cuevo was nominated and elected acting chair for the meeting by a vote of 6-0. Member Jacqueline Roach was permitted to attend virtually via Zoom (vote 6-0), though she did not appear online.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting (vote 6-0). One member noted her absence at that meeting but was required to vote.
• Deferral of Item No. 1: The board voted (6-0) to indefinitely defer consideration of amendments to the AIPPB guidelines, pending input from consultants drafting a master plan.
• Public Art Fee Waiver for Stormwater Pump Stations: A resolution approving waiver of public art fees for four federally funded stormwater pump station upgrades (District 3) was approved unanimously (vote 6-0). The projects are fully grant-funded with no city contribution.

Discussion Items

• Flagler Villas Affordable Senior Housing Public Art (File ID 19807) : Staff presented a recommendation from the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) to select Alex Nunez for the exterior south elevation art wall (budget $80,000) and Dana Montlack for the interior lobby installation (budget $20,000). Alex Nunez, a Miami-born Cuban American artist, described her vitreous glass mosaic design "Across the Sea," inspired by local tropical landscapes and Caribbean influences. She noted durability, anti-graffiti coating, and compatibility with the developer's expedited timeline (installation targeted for December 2026). The board approved the selection unanimously (vote 6-0).
• Plaza Azucar Park Public Art (Celia Cruz Pocket Park, File ID 19807?) : The PAC recommended Conflux Art Projects / Joan Jimenez (first-ranked) for a $73,000 sculpture featuring Celia Cruz and ancillary figures. However, District 4 Commissioner Rosado's office expressed strong preference for second-ranked artist Alex Kaufman, citing his use of mosaic, vibrant colors, interactive seating, and alignment with the district's "Arte D4" initiative. Commissioner Rosado spoke in favor of Kaufman's proposal. Discussion included concerns about Kaufman's piece: board members noted the design's complexity, potential maintenance issues with seating on mosaic tiles, and the need for a clear resemblance to Celia Cruz. The board voted 5-1 (Juan Valdez dissenting) to select Alex Kaufman as the finalist artist, with conditions that the PAC review aesthetic amendments (particularly the facial likeness) and that the artist work with the PAC on design refinements.
• Silver Bluff Dog Park Public Art (File ID 19805) : Staff presented a direct acquisition of a CNC-cut aluminum sculpture by the Color Dreamers (Amir Shakir and Yvette Cabrera), budget $20,000 (including $7,500 from the public art fund and the remainder from District 4 office). The sculpture, approximately six feet tall, has a natural metallic finish with Miami pink accents. The artists spoke about their 19-year history in Miami and their public art experience. The board approved the acquisition unanimously (vote 6-0). Board member Gary Feinberg suggested improving the concrete base to prevent water pooling and deterioration.

Key Outcomes

• Flagler Villas: Approved Alex Nunez (exterior) and Dana Montlack (interior) as finalist artists (vote 6-0). Next steps: negotiate agreements and expedite fabrication/installation before developer's certificate of occupancy.
• Plaza Azucar: Selected Alex Kaufman as finalist (vote 5-1). The board directed staff to work with Kaufman on refining the design (especially the facial likeness) and to present updates to the PAC. Commissioner Rosado expressed desire for an unveiling by Celia Cruz's birthday (October 21, 2026).
• Silver Bluff Dog Park: Approved direct acquisition of artwork by the Color Dreamers (vote 6-0). Staff to coordinate with OCI for installation.
• Fee Waiver: Approved waiver for four stormwater pump station upgrades (vote 6-0).
• Meeting Adjourned: The board adjourned after program updates were deferred to the next meeting (scheduled for October 5, 2026).

Notable Comments

• Board member Juan Valdez expressed that selecting Kaufman over the PAC-recommended artist did not serve Commissioner Rosado's interests, as he believed Kaufman's proposal was conceptually confused and less likely to yield a high-quality sculpture.
• Staff committed to establishing a robust maintenance plan for Kaufman's piece given public interaction concerns.
• Commissioner Rosado thanked the board and underscored the importance of aligning public art with community vision, noting he has 12 park projects underway with public art components.