hobe sound public library mural

The Hobe Sound Public Library, located within the Hobe Sound Community Redevelopment Area, has recently been renovated through the generosity of a local donor. To celebrate these enhancements, the library seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create a vibrant mural that highlights the joy of reading and the library's unique natural surroundings.

The mural should illustrate Florida's scrub environment, incorporating native plants such as Sand Pine, Oaks, Saw Palmetto, and Rosemary, as well as local wildlife including gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards, and various birds. Additional scrub inhabitants like black bears, white-tailed deer, skunks, bobcats, and squirrels may also be included.

Design concepts include:

• Interactive Scene: Children reading on a bench, tree stump, or the ground, surrounded by curious animals such as a gopher tortoise emerging from its burrow.
• Library Adventure: A little free library situated by a nature trail with animals engaging with books—tortoises carrying books on their backs, birds transporting books, and bears with backpacks filled with book titles.

The mural should cover at least 900 to 1,000 square feet of area, using colors that reflect the natural beauty of the plants and animals—greens, browns, blues, and reds—with additional accents of yellow, white, purple, and pink for butterflies and wildflowers. Please avoid the use of invasive species or an excessive focus on any single type of animal. The objective is to create a mural that captures the essence of Florida's scrub ecosystem while revealing new details with each viewing.

In conjunction with the mural, the library has purchased two artistic book shaped benches to be placed in the vicinity, offering an enhanced experience for library visitors, and further complementing the mural’s theme.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW:

Hobe Sound, located in southeastern Martin County, is a charming community known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, rich history, and status as one of the county's most environmentally sensitive areas. This coastal gem offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town warmth, making it an idyllic place to live, work, and visit. Hobe Sound boasts an array of outdoor activities, from hiking in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, to enjoying the serene waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Its vibrant local arts scene, unique shops, and inviting eateries add to the community's allure.

Historically, Hobe Sound's roots trace back to the indigenous Jove (Hoe-Bay) Indians, and it was named after this native tribe. The town flourished during the early 20th century with the development of the Hobe Sound Railway and the Jupiter Island Club, attracting notable visitors and residents. Today, Hobe Sound embraces its rich past while looking to the future, with ongoing efforts to preserve its natural habitats and promote sustainable growth. The community's dedication to maintaining its unique character and environmental treasures ensures that Hobe Sound remains a special place for future generations.

Martin County is celebrated for its natural beauty, from its coastline where sea turtles’ nest to its wild and scenic rivers filled with tropical flora and fauna. Preservation and appreciation of this natural splendor are important to residents and visitors alike. The county seat is Stuart, and the population is approximately 162,000.

ANTICIPATED ART PROJECT SCHEDULE:

• BOCC Artwork Approval: December 2, 2025
• Target Completion Date: January 30, 2026

ARTIST SERVICES:

• Detailed design proposal including renderings of the proposed design.
• Detailed budget breakdown outlining all anticipated costs associated with the proposed artwork, including but not limited to materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, artist fees, required insurance, etc..
• Coordination with the Public Art Advisory Committee and County staff.
• Installation.
• Photographic documentation.
• Maintenance plan.