Key Biscayne's Art in Public Places works by Jose Bedia

By Alexandra Figueredo

While driving, biking or strolling down Crandon Boulevard in Key Biscayne, it is difficult to miss the colorful “mini plazas” located along the island’s main thoroughfare. These installations, collectively known as the Bedia Plazas, are named after artist Jose Bedia who designed them as part of the Village’s Art in Public Places initiative.

The Bedia Plazas highlight the fauna of the island and surrounding Biscayne Bay ecology. The artist fluidly blends images and text to feature various local creatures including the manatee, the manta ray, the anhinga bird, the butterfly and the barracuda. The dynamic and stimulating plazas create an interactive cultural experience by welcoming pedestrians to walk upon and enjoy the terrazzo floor murals.

Two new plazas are currently under construction with expected completion by early spring. The “Dragonfly Plaza” is situated near the pond north of the Library, and the “Pelican Plaza” graces the northeast corner of the Village Green.

Upon completion of the two newest Bedia Plazas, the Village will hold a formal dedication along with educational talks with the artist. In addition, a video series to be aired on the Village channel will chronicle the creation of the seven plazas with interviews of Bedia at the site of the various plazas and in his studio.

Bedia is an internationally renowned artist known for his works inspired by indigenous people. He has created other local public art works, most notably the centerpiece terrazzo floor murals and glass railings in the Adrienne Arsht Center.

For more information on Key Biscayne’s Art in Public Places, visit www.keybiscayne.fl.gov. 

© 2011, Alexandra Figueredo

The above article appeared in Key Biscayne Magazine February 2011 edition. To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.