At the forefront of the meeting was the storm drain mural project. Holly Langston, the sustainability program coordinator, updated the committee on the project’s status. The Public Works, Streets, and Stormwater Department had identified several potential locations for the murals, all submitted for approval to the city manager and vetted by the city attorney. The project aims to educate the public with the theme “only rain down the drain,” focusing on native Tampa Bay flora and fauna. The committee discussed the artist selection process, expressing a preference for involving local artists while remaining open to broader submissions. The idea of engaging schoolchildren in the project was also floated, with suggestions that schools could host submissions for storm drain-related artwork. The committee recognized the need for a budget to cover artist materials and stipends, debating whether to provide artists with kits or have them source their own materials, emphasizing the importance of using standardized outdoor paint.

In parallel, the discussion about the Rudy Mural Project’s preservation revealed a preference for using vinyl applied to metal panels, valuing its durability and aesthetic appeal. The community’s previous incidents of vandalism underscored the importance of protective measures. The committee considered potential physical barriers, such as planter boxes, to safeguard the mural while maintaining pedestrian access. The use of epoxy or resin as an additional protective coating was also suggested, providing a robust defense against wear and vandalism.

Another point of discussion was the proposal for a mural on the old bleachers of the Public Works building. The committee is exploring the potential design and budget for this significant project, with a focus on harmonizing the mural with the existing architectural features of the building. A motion to further explore this mural idea was approved, and the committee is set to refine the project details in upcoming meetings.

The meeting also touched on community engagement through potential events like a proposed “Art in the Park” initiative. This event aims to provide educational opportunities for local school children, featuring art-related activities and interactions with guest artists. However, there was a debate over whether organizing such an event fell within the committee’s jurisdiction, as its primary focus is to procure public art installations. Members emphasized the need to adhere to budgetary constraints and the committee’s established scope, acknowledging the potential for collaboration with other organizations like Parks and Recreation to facilitate the event.

Additionally, the committee deliberated on a field trip initiative to engage students with public art. Questions about funding responsibilities arose, with suggestions that schools typically handle transportation and supervision. The committee expressed a desire for involvement in the educational aspect, proposing that a representative could volunteer to speak about the importance of public art during these trips. Despite funding challenges, fundraising strategies were considered, including seeking donations from local businesses to minimize costs.