When you get out of your car and walk or bike, you notice so much more of the world around you. Two dozen bicycle riders did just that on a “Brake for Art” tour, one of many events in this year’s Mobility Week. On Monday, Oct. 28, riders explored public art throughout Orlando on a 5-mile bike ride hosted by Florida Department of Transportation’s District Five.
Jean-Claude Fahri’s “Victory of the Winds” metal sculpture fountain at the OMA
The participants were greeted by Orlando Museum of Art curator Molly Driscoll amongst playful sculptors by Mel Kendrick and Jean-Claude Farhi. They rolled through the Menollo Museum of Art sculpture garden and down the Orlando Urban Trail, exploring artistic murals, art drains and even some dumpster art throughout the Mills 50 District.
Next, City of Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan took some time away from her vacation to meet the group at Colonialtown Square Park. The park is home to the Pulse Memorial Labyrinth. She discussed the amazing public art creating a sense of place in the Milk District, Mills 50, Colonialtown and all around the City Beautiful. Commissioner Sheehan also shared the history of the partnerships that were put in place to support the installation of public art.
Commissioner Sheehan discusses the public art movement beautifying Orlando
The riders passed one of Commissioner Sheehan’s own murals, Bad Kitty, etc., and numerous other works of public art along the Orlando Urban Trail on their ride back to Loch Haven Park.
If you missed the tour, you can still jump on your bike and take a self-guided tour. Click here for information about where you can find the public art, the history of the program and how it’s spreading. And click here for more Mobility Week events.
Partners for the Brake for Art tour included City of Orlando, the Orlando Museum of Art, Mills 50 and the Downtown Arts District.
