People and Community University

Summertime in ‘the City Beautiful’

Community art project encourages the public to explore the vibrant downtown area of Coral Gables and celebrate a new pedestrian-friendly streetscape.
“Tutti Frutti Tropical Beauty - Ibis,” created by artist Bonnie Masdeu for Venice in the Gables exhibit
“Tutti Frutti Tropical Beauty - Ibis,” was designed and painted by artist Bonnie Masdeu for Venice in the Gables exhibit.

To celebrate the completion of the Downtown Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue Streetscape project, the City of Coral Gables has launched a “summer in the city” art project, Venice in the Gables. Eight foot tall replicas of Venetian mooring posts, reminiscent of the picturesque canal posts for the gondolas in Italy, have been painted and installed throughout downtown Coral Gables for a temporary exhibit inviting visitors and residents to interact with the new streetscape.

The University of Miami has joined this project with the addition of “Tutti Frutti Tropical Beauty - Ibis,” created by artist Bonnie Masdeu. Appropriately, the post is located in front of the Coral Gables Youth Center, a few steps from the historical marker of UM’s beginnings in the Anastasia Building, and themed with iconic ibis on a green and orange background.

Venetian mooring posts were incorporated into the early designs of the City of Coral Gables, most notably as canal markers to delineate waterfront property and as part of the design of Venetian Pool.

More than two dozen artists applied to be part of this public arts initiative and were selected to reimagine the streets lining the heart of Coral Gables. Each translated their vision onto the surfaces of the 33 colorful posts currently on display across the city. View a map of all the locations here.

These works of art will be made available at the end of the exhibit for purchase at an upcoming auction. Proceeds will benefit the Coral Gables Community Foundation whose mission includes fostering programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people living and working in “the City Beautiful,” Coral Gables.