By Lee Ann Leonard
Their names may not be in lights, but they will be on them! Pier Park hopes to unveil its latest local artist feature in late summer. The feature, made possible thanks to Beach Haven’s generous sponsorship, will consist of ten Pole Banners mounted on the mall light poles. Each banner will showcase a beach-area artist posing with their work. The artists range from painters to photographers to sculptors. For the inaugural banners, Pier Park and Beach Haven representatives selected Jamie Babula, Emily Ellis (Daisy Hipbilly), Helen Ferrell, Tim Gagnon, David Hansel, Reagan Hernandez, Alfie Martin, Tana Gordon Plyler, Marie Youngpeter and Sherry Yuhas to highlight. My Paint Partner owner Tana Gordon Plyler’s reaction to the news was consistent with the other artists. “So fun! What a great idea to do this! We feel so honored,” Plyler exclaimed.
The street takeover aims to increase awareness about the diverse Panama City Beach-area talent. The beach is famous for its stunning shores, thrilling excursions and unique dining, shopping and entertainment options, but the mall and sponsor want the destination to be known for its amazing art too. Education is key.
“We’ve included a unique QR code on every banner so the mall’s millions of visitors can learn more about each artist and explore their work,” LAT30° Strategic Partners founder Grant Wittstruck commented. “They may even choose to support the artist by buying one of their pieces.” Wittstruck represents Beach Haven and Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and helped design the Pole Banners.
Panama City Beach Mayor Stuart Tettemer, members of the city’s Public Art Committee and other area art enthusiasts first discussed the project in a January meeting. The group agreed that the beach’s evolution should include promoting art and culture and creating more arts-related events. City officials like Councilman Ethan Register continue the conversation, supporting a possible “Island Alliance” formation.
Pier Park boasts the City of Panama City Beach’s first privately-funded public art project, a sea life breezeway mural. The mural is just one of the center’s art installations created by local artists or artists with local ties. The center is also a venue for Tim Gagnon’s “Panama City Beach en Plein Air Festival” November 14 – 16. The three-day event is a free gathering of artists and art enthusiasts as they paint along the beach, in local parks and around local piers.
Visit https://www.simon.com/mall/pier-park for the latest Pier Park news, including an announcement on the unveiling and artists’ reception date.
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