By: Kristen Hernandez
Pompano Beach, FL — Local artists have captured the incredible beauty of Pompano Beach and blended it with the rich history and culture which makes this city truly special. The Pompano Beach Art Committee has chosen inspiring artwork out of hundreds of submissions by talented local artists consisting of murals, sculptures, mosaics, and even buried treasure. The art will be displayed in several historic locations throughout the city. From storm drains and utility wraps, underwater aquatic gardens, and vibrant installations scattered about, you’ll see touches of artwork around town that celebrates periods of the city’s art history and has transformed the ordinary landscape into extraordinarily Pompano Beach.
Artists Alley — located in Old Town, the heart of downtown Pompano Beach — visitors will discover incredible realism murals painted on the sides of buildings along the streets behind BACA — the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center. On the first Friday of every month in Old Town, the city showcases the art festival Untapped, which celebrates craft beer, great food, live music, and artwork created by talented locals.
Founders Park — This serene park in front of the Pompano Beach Historical Society is now home to a magnificent art monument honoring the fallen first responders who died fearlessly rescuing others on September 11th, 2001. Titled “Unbroken Spine — A Book of American Heroism”, this inspiring art installation features a piece of steel from the fallen Twin Towers, created by local artist Cherie Saleeby.
Fisher Family Pier and Shipwreck Park — Our iconic Pompano Beach is now home to a brand-new 900-foot pier in the shape of our local mascot, the Pompano Fish. Local artists have taken inspiration from the sea and created numerous sculptures and mosaic artwork scattered around the sandy sidewalks along the shore. Shipwreck Park, an underwater reef designed for snorkeling and scuba diving is located 1 mile off the coast of the Fisher Family Pier. “Pirates Treasure” — a huge replica of a chest full of gleaming gold, was displayed on the Great Lawn for one year and then sunk into Shipwreck Park. You’ll find the sculptures attached to the Lady Luck casino boat which is now an underwater home for native Pompano Beach ocean-life.
Hillsboro Inlet — “Barefoot Mailman” Sculpture — In the late 1800’s, eleven barefoot mailmen carried the mail along the beaches between Miami and Palm Beach, which was treacherous territory. The artists’ tribute depicts James “Ed” Hamilton who disappeared in 1887 near the Hillsboro Inlet.
Legends says he may have been eaten by alligators swimming the brackish waters he waded through during his route.
Pompano Park and Amphitheater — The 3000-seat Pompano Beach Amphitheater has become an incredible venue showcasing major concert performances and music festivals year-round. Music-themed mosaics are prominently displayed throughout the Amphitheater, which is located within Pompano Park grounds. On the west side of the park is the Pompano Beach Aquatic Center, which features an Olympic size pool plus a small teaching pool. The Community Park Water Feature and Sculpture project is currently paused due to Covid-19 delays.
