“It’s gratifying to provide a service for a worthy cause, especially with Perry Harvey Sr. Park being right here in our backyard. James is an amazing artist that knew exactly what he needed and who to call to manage the logistics of moving these sculptures from PA down here to Tampa”  says Weathers.

This Tampa Times article written about the project describes more about the project and what it means to the people of Tampa.

Tampa Launches Transformation of Perry Harvey Sr. Park

By Emily McConville and Richard Danielson | Times Staff Writers

TAMPA — Dozens of community leaders and members, some carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the summer sun, gathered Tuesday amid fencing, dirt piles and orange cones to launch the transformation of Perry Harvey Sr. Park.

The park, named for the civil rights leader and longtime head of Tampa’s longshoreman’s union, will be transformed into a public space that will honor and celebrate 150 years of the city’s black history.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn, surrounded by relatives of the late Harvey and children from a summer program at the nearby Kid Mason Community Center, said the park was a gift to future generations.

“It’s important that we know how we got here,” the mayor said, “and that we know the individuals who played a role in that.”

Foremost among them was Harvey, who will have a statue erected in his honor.

The history of the park started in 1865, when freed slaves settled northeast of downtown in what was known as “The Scrub.” Black life eventually bloomed there, as residents opened restaurants and stores along Central Avenue.

The new park will have an interactive exhibit of fountains, statues and a sound system honoring entertainers like James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King, who visited the Apollo Ballroom and the Cotton Club. Hank Ballard wrote The Twist after watching children dance on Central Avenue. The Chubby Checker cover of the song became a national sensation in 1960.

A “History Walk” and “Leaders Row” will include statues of business, political and civic pioneers, such as Lee Davis, Robert Saunders, Christina Meacham, Moses White, Henry Joyner, Georgette Gardner and G.D. Rogers. There also will be a large lawn area set aside for concerts and festivals, as well as recreational space, such as basketball courts. It will take about seven months to develop the 11-acre park at a cost of $6.95 million.

This Tampa Tribune article written about James Simon gives more background about this talented artist.

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Uptown Sculptor Favors Clay in a Big Way

By Joanne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review Staff Writer.

James Simon really gets into the head of his subjects. His entire body can fit inside the cranium of the 16-foot concrete saxophone player he is putting the final touches on.

This sculpture is part of a commission from the city of Tampa. Included are a 16-foot female bass player cradling her instrument, two 9-foot dancers doing the twist, two 6-foot dogs and a large jukebox. They are intended to be placed at the entrance to Perry Harvey Park in Tampa.
Before the sculptures leave town, the Pittsburgh Office of Public Art will host a guided tour of Simon’s Uptown studio from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15.

Simon’s work is well known and respected, says Renee Piechocki, director for the Office of Public Art.

“James has a distinct style,” Piechocki says. “He has a very generous spirit and has an interest in the vibrancy of the entire arts community.”

Simon has spent the past year bringing the sculptures to life. He is best known for his large, figurative clay sculptures, such as Liberty Avenue Musicians in the 900 block of Liberty Avenue, Downtown. Simon was chosen for the Florida project from more than 150 applicants.

 “It is exciting to know that folks will walk by and see it,” Simon says. “I am interested in the excitement they generate…This figurative style gives my sculptures a universality and timelessness that make them relevant and relatable to viewers, qualities I value in art.”

At BlueGrace Logistics we are proud to help the Tampa community grow and flourish. Assisting with the shipping of the statues to their permanent location at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, helps us feel closer to the community were we live and work.

To find out more about the different freight management services that BlueGrace offers, visit us at www.mybluegrace.com!