Riding my bike through the Riverwalk and stopped for a cold tea at Pura Vida where the giant THRIVE…read morecavelike stone sculpture proudly stands with green vines filling the sides of the cave. Im not really an art buff, but this sculpture by Daniel Popper was impressive. The stone sculpture depicts a woman cracking open her rib cage with both of her hands symbolizing transformation and hope. People can be seen taking pictures inside the cave. Its worth a few minutes to take a peek at this artwork if near Las Olas in Ft Lauderdale.

The Thrive Statue is one of those pieces that stops you mid-walk. It's powerful, expressive, and…read morequietly emotional--capturing strength, growth, and resilience all at once. The scale alone draws you in, but it's the details and posture that really make you pause and reflect. Set against the modern surroundings, it feels both grounding and inspiring, like a reminder to keep pushing forward even when things feel heavy. Beautifully done, thoughtfully placed, and absolutely worth a moment (or a photo) if you're in the area.

Marc Quinn's "Broken Sublime," is a stunning stainless steel seashell sculpture on Las Olas Blvd &…read moreSE 6th Ave. The conch shell, a piece by British artist Marc Quinn stands over 7 feet tall & weighs more than 5,500 lbs, This larger-than-life stainless steel seashell sculpture valued at nearly $1 million graces the grounds of downtown's long-awaited Tunnel Top Plaza, an artificial turf zone that cost taxpayers $10.6 million. This new sculpture and sitting area is in front of the cheesecake factory. The beach is steps away and the new art here is meant to evoke positive feelings about the Fort Lauderdale seashore.

Broken Sublime (The Hunger) is a new stainless steel public art piece that was purchased for the…read morenew Tunnel Top Park that sits over the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel. You can find the giant stainless steel conch shell between the Cheesecake Factory and Sushi Garage on Las Olas Boulevard. The shiny conch shell is over 7 feet high and weighs 5,500 pounds. This art piece and future pieces that will be placed in the park were paid from a 5 million dollar donation from the estate of the late James Winder Laird. Broken Sublime (The Hunger) is by British artist Marc Quinn. Quinn is a contemporary visual artist whose subjects include the body, genetics, identity, environment, and the media. Although primarily known as a sculptor, he has also produced prints and photographs. Quinn has had exhibitions in major galleries like the Tate and he has created public art work for cities all over the world. The public art here is meant to make Tunnel Top Park an inviting place for tourists to hang out on Las Olas Boulevard. Broken Sublime (The Hunger) in particular is meant to evoke the idea that the beach is a short distance away and that Ft. Lauderdale is a beach town. I think this piece adds interest to an otherwise plain pedestrian area. It is also a nice place to take a selfie.

John Wilton As a mixed media artist maintaining a studio in…read moreDeLand, Florida, John Wilton has completed several public art commissions throughout Florida since 1991. In 1995, he was awarded an Individual Artist's Fellowship from the state of Florida. After an early career as an art director in South Florida, Dr. Wilton taught Visual Arts and Digital Media for 27 years at Daytona State College, Stetson University and Embry Riddle University. To see additional work, visit "John Wilton Art" on Facebook. "My creative process is informed by what I see or what I find. I then ask myself how I can make whatever it is into art. Often I am simply trying to share what I have found or seen with others who may be like-minded. The art work that was installed inside Hardy Park is beautiful. On a sunny day, the sun catches the colored panels and casts beautiful colors in the sky. blob:null/d0d74cb9-d27a-49aa-b91b-1484d7806ca6

I was walking from the Half Wall restaurant west on W Indiana Ave DeLand and looked down and saw…read more'large painting' on the sidewalk. I looked up and saw the 'sculpture' of a butterfly with see-through panels. The sun was shining through it to display the 'painting' on the sidewalk!! I had to call the Chamber of Commerce to find out the artist! John Wilton!! Thank you so much well done! I plan to take mini tours of downtown DeLand and see the artists' works up close and note the artists

Romero Britto is a vivid pop artist and the founder of what he calls the Happy Art Movement. He…read morebelieves the purpose of art is to radiate happiness, fun, love, and hope while inspiring people. The New York Times has said Britto's art, "exudes warmth, optimism and love". Britto was born in poverty in Brazil in 1963. In 1983 he made his way to Europe where he was inspired by artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. In 1988 he moved to Miami where he still maintains a studio. Britto's earliest work was done on newspaper which was all he could afford and sold on the sidewalk. Inspired by the sunshine of Miami he began working in bright palates which attracted people to his work. He received his first major commission to design artwork for Absolut Vodka for a 1989 campaign that also had bottles that featured art by Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Corporate partnerships and licensing deals followed. His designs have been used by companies like Disney, BMW, IBM, Apple Computers, Grand Marnier, Pepsi, and Royal Caribbean Cruises and his art has been featured on cruise ships, cars, Barbie dolls and pet collars His art has even made it to the World Cup, Superbowl. and Olympics. Britto art has been exhibited art galleries and museums in over 120 countries but his brightly colored artwork has become synonymous with South Florida where you can find it everywhere from city vehicles, hospitals, parking meters, and lottery tickets. Britto Inc. generates 250 million dollars of sales annually. He has become the most collected and licensed artist in history. Britto works out of art gallery dubbed the Britto Palace in Wynwood. You have to win your way in for a tour through charities or Britto picks one person a week with a golden ticket to visit from anyone that spends $250 or more with him. I discovered this iconic Britto palm tree art in Florence C. Hardy Park on my way to breakfast at Bagel and Company a few feet away. Palm trees are a common motif in his artwork. I saw a bunch of them for sale in his art gallery on Lincoln Road in South Beach. The sculpture was donated to the city by the Reger family in 2022. Britto came out for the dedication and expressed his joy that more people would be able to experience his art in the beautiful park. As a fan of Britto and his brightly colored pop art and public art works, I think this installation really brightens this corner of the park. What a generous gesture by the Reger family.

On April, 29, 2022, Romero Britto erected one of his iconic sculptures on the grounds of Hardy…read morePark. The donation was made by Tarpon River resident Yasmine Reger.

This is a carved wooden Native American head by Hungarian artist Peter Wolf Toth. Toth had…read moreexperienced repression in his native country and was shuttled among various refuge camps. When he immigrated to Ohio he became interested in Native American culture because he saw a parallel in the way they were treated and what he experienced. Toth traveled the country over 20 years and donated at least one work in each state and two in Canada. His first carving was a stone Native American head in a cliff in La Jolla California in 1972. After that he switched from stone to wood. His last carving was number 58 in May of 1988 in Haleiwa, Hawaii. The collection of large works is called the Trail of Whispering Giants. There are three in Florida. This head named Tiki resides in DC Alexander Park which is currently undergoing a renovation. The statue faces east so it can watch the sun rise over the ocean every morning. The 30 foot high sculpture was completed in May 1983 and is number 44 out of the series. Created out of Cypress it is meant to honor the Seminoles and other Native American tribes. I love what this statue represents and how it pays tribute to the native people of Florida. I'm not sure if the city plans on keeping it here or moving it somewhere else once the park is completed. I'm keeping an eye out.

I visited the Bonnet House to see the Zim sculptures on display through April 19, 2026…read moreThe exhibit includes over 2000 hand carved sculptures by over 100 Zimbabwe artist. There are many large sculptures throughout the gardens, they are all labeled with the name of the work, the artist and the material. There is a large market with sculptures of all sizes for sale. The exhibit is so large it is only displayed in one location per year. While we were there, there were two sculptors working on new pieces, both took the time to speak with us. Love is in the air at the Bonnet House, while we were there they were setting up for a wedding and we saw a proposal. A beautiful setting for both. They have special events throughout the year, including an orchid show and Christmas holiday wonderland. Guided and self guided house tours are available,$30-40, we opted for the grounds tour only, $15. The gardens are well shaded so even on a warm day our visit was comfortable.

A tourist trap. Paying that much to see common stuff like going to a greenhouse or a grocery store…read morefor orchids. There is a similar one in California but at least in California, it is free. I said I rather used the money to buy orchids then

My low rate is not on the festival. It's on the parking. If you are not familiar with this area…read morelike me. You found limited options and no guiding parking signs. I did see an area after I parked where to park for $10 cash only. You can try parking on the dark side streets. I did but then I was worried I might get towed. They close a section of a street and that has warehouses. I got here around 6:30 . It got really happening after 7:30, more lively. The warehouses showcase local vendors and art work. Some of the artists are physically there also. It's actually nice. You can ask them questions. The open air smells yummy. Specifically when the food truck are working there cooking magic. Over five diferent type of food trucks here. They had a talented live performer and music playing at the other side of the street. They did a good job putting this event together.

I'm surprised I hadn't reviewed this (maybe I did under the prior name / incarnation), but I have…read moreactually purchased art here - a Yorkie print by S. Leyden. Since it's open air, it's very dog friendly. You can even decide if a corgi looks more like a bread loaf or a potato :) This isn't an art faire in the old school way but more like a maker fair / craft show craft show with a lot of art for sale. You can chat up a lot of the artists, and prices are reasonable #supportyourlocalartists Besides a couple of restaurants nearby (the Sistrunk Food Court and Henry's Sandwich Station) there are more than a couple of food trucks in the blocked off street. You also get "seasoned" by music from reggae to classic rock and everything in between. It's definitely a fun night out in the 954 (and worth a drive up this way). Sunrise Ave is the better route from I95 especially to try and find street parking. Do try, because the only nearby lot is $10 and egad, Cash Only (how retro and or tax evasive. If you're a local definitely rideshare.

I have been eagerly awaiting the installation of this public art piece and it is finally here. This…read morelarge, 8,000 pound bronze sea turtle statue was created for Dania Beach by environmental artist and conservationist Robert Wyland who was born in 1956 in Detroit, Michigan. He is most well known for his large outdoor murals, a series of 100 Whaling Walls throughout the country and world to spotlight the fragile ocean ecosystem. J. Milton and Associates as part of the City of Dania Beach's public art program, commissioned Wyland to create a sculpture of a Florida green sea turtle and the colorful reef fish and coral that are part of Florida's living reef. The sculpture was built over eight months and then shipped to Dania Beach. This turtle sculpture is part of Wyland's global public art project, which focuses on representations of marine life. Other Wyland pieces from this project are in Beijing, China and Hoonah, Alaska. This green turtle is swimming in front of Sea View Luxury Rentals. The pictures do not do this beautiful piece justice. I have been a long time Wyland fan and have visited several of the Whaling Walls. I love how this sculpture brings awareness to green sea turtles. They are the largest of the hard shelled turtles and are unique because they are herbivores with a diet consisting of sea grass and algae. Green turtles are found around the world but their numbers have declined as they have been used for their meat and eggs. They have also lost nesting habitat due to coastal development. They are listed as an endangered species.

So, creepy creepy... I love it. Great place to think about…read morelife and feel amazing energy from nature and yachts.

The Li'l Blader is a sculpture by Ft. Lauderdale artist Nilda Maria Comas. Comas graduated from the…read moreNew York Academy of Art and did her post graduate studies at Aacademia de Belle Arti di Carra in Italy. While In Italy she studied marble carving at the Studio Franco Cervietti. Comas has said that she has used sculpting to explore " the human emotions and feelings that have been constant throughout the history of humankind, including passion, joy, love, melancholy, and victory." The Florida Council on Arts selected Comas to create a new sculpture for the U.S. Capital' Building National Statuary Hall to replace the statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. Other sculptures Comas has done locally include Seminole Girl along Ft. Lauderdale's Riverwalk and actress Kaye Stevens in Kaye Stevens Park in Margate. She also created a 10 foot sculpture in Carrara Marble at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Doral, Florida. Li'l Blader was installed in Cole Hammock Park in 2001. The 200 pound sculpture features a four foot high young girl rollerblading. It was donated to the city by the Howard Stillman Bates Foundation who was inspired to give the statue after seeing children enjoy the park. I love the way Comas caught the little girls sassiness in her expression. As she stands perched on her skates, she is a reminder of the innocence of childhood.

Olas the snowman makes an appearance every year over the Christmas period. Apparently he has a…read moredifferent them each year. I came for a look. It was nice to watch people take their Xmas snap shots. Debuted in 2015, he was named Olas as a nod to Las Olas Boulevard and a playful take on Disney's Olaf.

This snowman changes year to year (from its inception in 2015). If you're visiting Fort Lauderdale…read moreBeach, you might as well get your "snow"man ... sandman ... sand snowman photo. Viewing other picture on this post, I like 2025 better than the others. (Posting November 2025) Is Olas amazing ... well, maybe not that ... but with the entire waterfront dressed for Christmas, you should definitely take a picture with Olas too! It is a cute statue!