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The newest addition to the City of Sarasota’s Public Art collection was installed at the U.S. 41-14th Street roundabout Jan. 8, 2025.
Poly is a 20-foot-tall sculpture created by New York-based art studio Hou de Sousa. Weighing approximately 2.7 tons, Poly was delivered in two pieces and installed over six hours by the studio’s team.
The much-anticipated piece was unanimously approved by the City Commission in September 2019 following a Call to Artists and recommendation by the Public Art Committee. Poly’s fabrication was halted in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global supply chain issues. Installation was delayed by prohibitive construction costs associated with the concrete foundation required for the piece. By July 2024, a competitive bid to build the foundation was approved by the City Commission.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “We’re thrilled this beautiful sculpture is now part of the community and it will be enjoyed by residents and visitors. Poly underscores how much we appreciate and value the cultural arts in Sarasota.”
Florida Department of Transportation roundabout standards were adhered to when considering the sculpture design and location at U.S. 41 and 14th Street. At 20-feet tall, Poly’s height makes the piece prominent while ensuring critical sightlines are maintained for motorists. The design prevents direct through-views, which lowers travel speeds. Drivers can navigate safely without distraction. Pedestrian crosswalks are located away from the roundabout and include hybrid flashing beacons so pedestrians are visible to drivers.
The sculpture is storm-ready, built to withstand winds up to 149 mph or the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane.
Poly will be illuminated in the evening with the lighting installation expected to be completed in the coming days.
The piece was commissioned for $208,000 and acquired through the Public Art fund, supported by developer fees. A building permit with a construction valuation over $1 million requires the applicant to contribute 0.5% (one half of one percent) of the total construction valuation toward the Public Art program.
A ceremony to celebrate the addition of Poly will be announced soon.
Learn more about the Public Art program and take a virtual tour of the City’s Public Art collection at www.Sarasotafl.gov/PublicArt
