Earth Gallery One (page 3)
Mills Manatee Mile
|
Mills Manatee Mile was named after Mr. William T. Mills in an effort to give reality to the role of patronage of projects of this magnitude, as art itself, was becoming a part of the growth of the Lee county Community. |
 |
| Working on a marine environment had its own set of challenges, however, Brent Scheneman, Charlie Holloway and I did all of the installation work including the pile driving. Doug and Dana Parson of Paragon Metals did the metal fabrication, T&S Signs the text and backgrounds. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
The installation of these elements afforded a new level of understanding concerning the role of art beyond its traditional boundaries, they modified the way these environments are experienced. Mills Manatee Mile provides a recreational classroom for all ages and the experience is not restricted to the human experience but to the resident populations of creatures living below the water surface as the pilings are home for a number of important species in the over all marine ecology of the area and the sentries themselves are favored places to perch by several bird species. |
 |
| A few days before the unveiling of the installation, Seminole Chief Billie Bowers and I navigated on a native cypress dugout canoe to the Calusa Sentry to pay homage to the ancient inhabitants of this area and to dedicate the installation as modern day totems keeping to the ancient native American traditions. The Flag of the Seminole Nation was draped over the Sentry and chief Billy consecrated the totems into service. On the shore the sound of an authentic Calusa shell horn called the ceremonial cats atop the sentry to vigilance while a delegation from other native American nations including the presence of Steven Tiger of the Miccosukee nation joined in the celebration. |
 |
 |
|
|
Mills Manatee Mile was unveiled on September 4,1989. The installation was introduced to visitors representing three generations and were given tours throughout the day. The Coast Guard, The Florida Marine Patrol and a delegation from the Department of Environmental Protection were at hand to inform and maintain safety for the visitors. The local media brought the event to hundreds of thousands of homes. Earth Gallery One continues on the next page |
Home Installation Index Next Page