City Of West Palm Beach: First Black Female Artist Awarded Solo Permanent Public Art Commission By City Of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach FL

15 July, 2021

10:27 AM

Description

Press release from the City of West Palm Beach: 07/14/2021 2:11 PM   WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (July 14, 2021) – The City of West Palm Beach, through its ArtLife WPB program, has awarded local artist Michelle Drummond a solo, permanent public art commission. Ms. Drummond is the first, Black female artist to be awarded such a commission by the city. Her original piece, titled "The Metamorphosis," will be installed in the Urban Living Room of the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, located at 411 Clematis Street. A contemporary, mixed-media fiber artist, Ms. Drummond was born in Jamaica and resides in Palm Beach County. She realized early on in her art career that manipulating multicolored fiber and incorporating acrylic paint on canvas was an avenue to help her navigate and cope in unfamiliar environments. Her artwork exudes the true expression of her quest for life and the undeniable influence of her rich Jamaican culture, her experiences living here in the United States and exploration of other cultures through her travels. "The Metamorphosis" will be made of multicolored yarn of varying weights and glue on an acrylic panel. The artwork will honor the Mandel Public Library as a resource for all that aims to advance society. The finished work will measure 3'x 5'x7' in size. Drummond's concept was inspired by the philosophy that knowledge and transformation align and empower change and rebirth. Included will be a large tree symbolizing growth, strength, and beauty. Butterflies fluttering about the tree will represent optimism and the unlimited possibilities that emerge through an organic transformation. The work is expected to be complete in six to nine months. The award was formally made to the artist at the June 14, 2021 meeting of the City Commission. This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed here are the author's own.