March 1, 2008
The dedication of the public art memory wall built by students under the direction of folk artist, Mr. Imagination, (Gregory Warmack) was held at the Heritage Center the evening of March 1st. The event was attended by directors, artists and volunteers from the Crealde School of Art, Henry Vales, the director of the Golden Rule Foundation, Terry Olsen from Orlando County, teachers, students, and community members.
The Director of the Crealde School of Art explained that students said the definition of public art is art that is created by the community, for the community, and is accessible to the public. The wall stands outside of the Heritage Museum in Winter Park, Florida.
Mr. Imagination's artwork is displayed at the Smithsonian Institute, at many galleries, and museums. Mr. Imagination designed and built the Unity Grotto at the House of Blues in Orlando. in 1997 he was the recipient of the Artist of the Year Award from the Folk Art Society of America. You can learn more about his work here.
Student field trips took students to tour the Heritage Center that tells the story of Hannibal Square. They viewed the exhibit of Mr. Imagination's artwork. The students brought a variety of things to place in the memory wall. It contains locks, toys cell phones, eye glasses, trinkets, sea shells, jewelry, broken pottery, and other items.
