App River shows appreciation with gift to Gulf Breeze
App River shows appreciation with gift to Gulf Breeze
A new sculpture, “Starlight,” will be installed at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at a Gulf Breeze park, the second in a series of public art displays funded by citizens and city government. The 22-foot sculpture, by Lou-Mitchell Courtney of Pensacola, will be installed at Woodland Park, near the police station. The installation will take place at sunset to emphasize the sculpture’s lighting.
Courtney said she is drawn to abstract forms because they let viewers find their own personal meaning. “I am interested in how our perception of those shapes can grab submerged memories and feelings and bring them to the surface for examination and, in the process of turning them over, imbue them with new meaning,” said Courtney, who also has been selected to appear in this year’s Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.
The cost of the sculpture is being underwritten by AppRiver, which is based in Gulf Breeze. It maintains multiple, secure data centers in the United States, Europe and Asia. AppRiver, founded in 2002, made the donation to show its appreciation for Gulf Breeze, said Michael Murdoch, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “It really is a gift from us as a corporate citizen,” Murdoch said, noting that the art program adds to the appearance of Gulf Breeze, which is a gateway to both Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. “I think it’s good for all of the community.”
Courtney’s sculpture is the second of at least five sculptures that supporters hope to install to enhance Gulf Breeze’s reputation as an arts-friendly community. In addition to her sculpture and art work, Courtney has made and donated several small quilts to Linus Project, which helps seriously ill or tramatized children.
The first sculpture was installed at Wayside Park in April. It features lights that change in literally thousands of combinations.
Meanwhile, supporters continue to seek donations to pay for landscaping, benches and sidewalks to improve areas around the sculptures. Gifts of money or in-kind donations are welcome.Donations can be made at artforgulfbreeze.com.
Media Note: For more details, contact City Manager Buz Eddy at (850) 934-5115 or Steve Zieman, head of the citizens group, at sfxz@bellsouth.net
