ART IN PUBLIC SPACES

Legacy Place has been a proud partner and supporter of Art in Public Places since 2005, showcasing the work of local artist, Mark Fuller to honor the legacy of urban designer and man behind Legacy Place, Henry “Hank” Skokowski.

Stack/45

Located in the main traffic circle of Legacy Place, Stack/45 was created in homage to Hank Skokowski and is symbolic of his love for contemporary music of all genres.  Music played a large part in his life; to the extent that even his professional e-mail correspondence was closed with the tagline of “The music will set you free.”  This installation is an abstract stack of 45 RPM records splayed on a vertical arc to mimic a jukebox carousel.  A variety of colored spindle inserts will be a familiar key to recognizing the roots of this construction.  The two (2) concentric columns of five (5) horizontal arcs reference his age at passing, 55.  The inner ring is the record label; the outer ring is the vinyl.  The piece was intentionally created as a light and airy piece to minimize visual obstruction to traffic, as well as vistas to the water.

 

Four Benches

Thoughtfully placed throughout Legacy Place in shaded areas (to minimize heat) are four benches created in homage to Hank Skokowski, reflective of four areas of his life about which he was most passionate.  Aluminum castings of his various footwear make a subtle pun to the adage that nob ody can fill his shoes.

Turbulent Indigo with a casting of his flip-flops reflects his love of being on, near and under the ocean.  Multi-task references his office life.  The dimpled metal texture is a common design theme in his offices.  His casual work shoes are cast. Busy/Simple portrays the cube: a form he felt was “the perfect geometry.”  The hard, crisp cube is pierced with natural wood timbers as well as a Chinese red cube – a visual play on the elements.  The red and black are symbolic of his favorite color combination.  Dress shoes sit on top.  Heavenly Ride is fashioned to indicate his love for riding his motorcycle; his preferred mode of transport…as well as his last.

The Obelisk

Located along the western perimeter, this classic form is a landmark at Legacy Place.  Anchored between two bodies of water at the edge of a large open area, it is intended to emanate as a noble, jewel-like element in the daylight and a colorfully glowing spire at night.  The piece specifically reinforces the quality and community of Palm Beach Gardens.

 
Mark Fuller

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA. 25th Oct, 2017. Public artist Mark Fuller is installing a 6-ton sculpture titled C2H6 at the Alton/UT technologies development in Palm Beach Gardens on October 25, 2017. Credit: Allen Eyestone/The Palm Beach Post/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News

 About the Artist

The Art in Public Places sculptures throughout Legacy Place are the creations of environmental graphic and industrial engineer, Mark Fuller.  He is the creator of dynamic site specific exterior sculptural installations for a wide variety of projects, and has been established in West Palm Beach, Florida since 1986.

Fuller’s work has primarily been oriented towards creating sculptural identity elements that help to establish a strong sense of place. In addition to his public art, his design experience includes urban street furniture such as seating elements, bollards, lighting fixtures, tree grates, and telephone kiosks. His Art In Public Places installations have included kinetic constructions, compression-tension cable structures, and static free-standing elements.

At Legacy Place, Fuller’s art captures the legacy of his former best friend, Henry “Hank” Skokowski, who was an urban designer and the man behind Legacy Place, PGA National and BallenIsles.  Skokoski was killed in a motorcycle accident shortly after the completion of Legacy Place, however, his memory and legacy live on through various sculptures throughout the center.