If you’ve ever been to Saint Petersburg, Florida, you might know a little something about Gulfport. A sleepy little arts community tucked in between the western edge of Saint Pete and the Boca Ciega Bay.
Having lived in Saint Petersburg for a few years, we have enjoyed exploring the waterfront restaurants and bars, as well as the boutiques, galleries, and eateries along Beach Boulevard.
Clymer Park
Further inland along Beach Boulevard, you’ll find Clymer Park. It’s a three-block-long green space bordered by Gulfport Boulevard, about three acres in all. You’ll discover Catherine A. Hickman Theater, Multi-Purpose Senior Center, and the Public Library to the south of the green area.
Clymer Park Art Walk
Dedicated in 2015, the Clymer Park Art Walk is a fantastic exhibition of local art along a winding walkway surrounded by mature trees, flower beds, and the Gulfport Food Forest.
The sculptures were commissioned after a call for submissions from local artists. Five local artists each contributed two pieces to the public art display. Each of these artists has notable works in other locations around the country.
With paved walkways, ground-level boardwalks, benches, and handicapped-accessible ramps, the sculptures are easy to explore.
In addition to its beauty and accessibility, each sculpture has a plaque sharing information about the artists and materials used in their artwork.
‘In Dog we trust.’
Frank Strunk III – 2014
Metal
This is a fun metal sculpture of a happy dog at play.
‘Big Dumb Heart’
Frank Strunk III – 2014
Metal
This metal sculpture of an iconic tin man smiles and holds flowers while exposing his big heart.
‘Quixzantic’
Owen Patch – 2014
Forged steel tubing, fabricated sheet steel, milled Italian marble, and blown glass
A unique modern sculpture mixing shapes, textures, and multiple materials
‘Zilonium’
Owen Patch – 2014
Rolled steel tubing, fabricated sheet steel hollow forms, and blown glass
The sculpture is almost plantlike in its form, and we even found a little art admirer while we were there.
‘Nec mortem effugere quisquam nec amorem potest’
Tom Pitzen – 2014
Concrete, glass tile, mother of pearl tile
This sculpture, whose Latin name translates to be “Nor is it able to flee from death or love.”
The sculpture uniquely melds plant and the human form in mosaic tile.
‘Ethereal’
Tom Pitzer – 2014
Stainless Steel
The light open sculpture captures the clean lines of a dancer’s form.
‘For the children of astrios & eos iii: horn section.’
Jonathan Schork – 2014
Fiberglass-over-steel, aluminum, LED lighting.
Long, colorful wind chimes hang from a giant three armed form
‘Sylvan Symphony’
Jonathan Schork – 2014
Steel and aluminum
Unique side by side sculptures that for a set of drums and a xylophone
‘The Queen’s Knight’
Susanne Vernon – 2014
Ceramic and porcelain tile, picassiette, vitreous glass tiles, marble, stained glass, cabochons, mirror, found objects, and hand-formed glass.
The giant-sized chess piece is eye-catching in its colors and reflective materials.
*we learned a new word – picassiette is a French word that roughly translates to ‘stolen from plate’ referring to the broken pieces of pottery and dishes used in these sculptures.
‘The Queen’
Susanne Vernon-2014
Ceramic and porcelain tile, picassiette, vitreous glass tiles, marble, stained glass, cabochons, mirror, found objects, and hand-formed glass.
The companion piece to ‘The Queen’s Knight’ – beautiful in the eclectic materials and lines
This sculpture walk and the surrounding green spaces are the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors. You’re sure to be physically distant from others and get some fresh air while enjoying this awesome public art installation.
Be sure to check out our Instagram page for more photos of these awesome sculptures and the rest of the gardens.
I have never heard of this art walk but it looks great! Sylvan Symphony looks really interesting!
Interesting, but very hard to photograph and show off the work
These are really cool and random. I haven’t heard of them before, love the horse one and the tin man
Ya, the artists each had very different styles which made for a very eclectic art walk!
We live only about 20 minutes from St. Petersburg (over in Largo)! I’ve seen some of what you’re talking about here. It’s unique & gives you something to explore – especially during Covid season.
We’re exploring ALOT of local places during COVID! Stay safe!
Lovely sculptures, so creative!!
It’s a beautiful, local park and so relaxing!
What a gorgeous sculpture garden – and a great idea for a socially distant activity! Looks beautiful
Really cute, and they have a small food forest woven in as well. They have a peach tree, someone dedicated as a memorial, as well as some papaya.
I’d never heard of Clymer Park Art Walk – it combines my love for art and walking!
It’s a short walk, but it’s a wonderful addition to the boutiques, restaurants, and waterfront a few blocks away!
The art walk looks super cool and something that I can definitely enjoy! It is indeed relaxing to walk and get fresh air, more particularly, in the times like this!!!
It’s a nice walk and there was not a soul in sight!
I’ve visited Saint Petersburg a couple of years ago – actually, exclusively for the Dali-Museum. Once I was there, I also visited an amazing gallery showing Chihouly’s work. However, already on my way to St Pete, I thought what a beautiful area it is and that I had to stay longer.
Clearly, the Clymer Park Art Walk would be another reason for coming back. I love the harmony of gardens and outdoor art. I love Susanne Vernon’s mosaic sculptures – they remind me of the Parque Guell in Barcelona.
Those are our favorite sculptures too! Yes, they remind us of Parc Guell! Beyond the Dali, and Chihuly Saint Pete has a couple other awesome museums.
the Queens Knight and the Queen are my favorite from your pictures! what a fun experience
Based on recent comments and our experience, they seem to be very popular! They remind us of Barcelona and Parc Guell
We used to live on Clearwater and somehow I’ve never been here! Definitely going to check it out next time I’m home!
It made for a nice relaxing afternoon!