Submitted By: Jamie Antonetti
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Presentation By: Cultural Arts Coordinator, Jamie Antonetti
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Installation and Acquisition of Zebra Longwing Sculptural Bench
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BACKGROUND:
The Pioneer Garden Club, celebrating its 100th year, proposed donating the Zebra Longwing bench by artist Richard Herzog to the City of Ocala. The steel, acrylic-coated bench-valued at $7,000-depicts a firebush branch, a Zebra Longwing butterfly, and includes functional seating. It will be placed in Tuscawilla Art Park beside the garden the Club already maintains, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship and public landscape enhancement. The artist will provide materials and maintenance information, and the Club will donate $200 annually for 10 years for upkeep. This unique functional sculpture would enrich the park’s visual and ecological character and support the City’s public art goals. Staff recommends approval of the donation for City Council consideration.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION:
The Zebra Longwing sculpture was installed at the Art Park on September 23, 2026. It is now part of the city’s public art collection, registered as an asset and under the city’s insurance policy.