JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – December 10, 2021. A new, original, Corten steel, and kinetic sculpture entitled “On the Shoulders of Legends” by nationally renowned public artist Donald Gialanella of St. Petersburg, FL, was officially dedicated on Friday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. in the roundabout at the entrance of the Legends Community Center in Northwest Jacksonville.
The Legends Community Center became a critical hub for Duval County in the fight to diagnose and save our citizens from COVID-19. When the “do-not-work” policy on premises for non-essential workers was lifted earlier this year, the monumental artwork was immediately installed on March 5, 2021. Today, our citizens and leadership within the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville will come together in an outdoor celebration to “officially” dedicate the artwork to the community and the Legends Community Center on Soutel Drive.
This project was underwritten by the Art in Public Places Program’s Percent for Art Ordinance, Chapter 126, Section 9 of the City of Jacksonville Code. “On the Shoulders of Legends” project development and management has been provided by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville as an agent of the City.
“The Cultural Council, through our Art in Public Places Program, is honored to bring to fruition this long-awaited piece representing more than a moment of installation and celebration. It embodies the steadfast spirit of a resilient community connected through heart and encapsulated through the stories of leaders seen and unseen,” shared Diana Donovan, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
Stated the artist, Donald Gialanella, “By creating On the Shoulders of Legends, I realized that effective public art should represent the ideals and aspirations of the local community as well as express the personal artistic vision of the artist – I feel this sculpture embodies those two important values.”
Added Jen Jones Murray, Director of Public Art for the COJ via the Cultural Council, “The power of public art connects citizens to their neighbors and their shared history. Public art helps define the identity of an entire community and reveal the unique character of specific neighborhoods. It has two very remarkable missions; to inspire thinking on a larger and inclusive level and to energize public space. It makes strangers talk, children ask questions, and provides a space for contemplation. On the Shoulders of Legends has delivered in these powerful ways and continues the flourishing legacy of public art in Jacksonville.”
Members of the public may attend the event or visit the Legends Community Center any day between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to view the artwork and enjoy the facility.
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