The 22nd installment of sculpture turtles on Flagler County's public art trail is set to debut in August at the northern tip of the county, according to a new release from the Flagler County Cultural Council. The new turtle, dubbed 'MAX' in honor of pop artist Peter Max, will be unveiled at Marineland Dolphin Adventure (9600 N Oceanshore Blvd) on Wednesday, August 21st at 10:00 am. The public is invited to attend the unveiling and dedication of MAX free of charge.
The addition of a new turtle sculpture at Marineland is particularly fitting with the facility's history of caring for and displaying native sea turtles, including the Rocky the loggerhead sea turtle who presently calls Marineland home. MAX, who will certainly invoke that local history, was created by local artist Sheryl Fletcher Coon.
“It was such an honor to be asked to participate in the Turtle Trail project for the Flagler County Cultural Council," Coon said. "Painting a six-foot fiberglass turtle isn’t something an artist is asked to do everyday! It was a learning experience and I am proud to have my name associated with this project and group. MAX and I look forward to meeting everyone in August!”
Peter Max, MAX's namesake, is an influential German-American visual artist who's been active since the 1960's. His career accomplishments include a U.S. postage stamp, work for music legends such as Aretha Franklin and Taylor Swift, and acclaim from publications such as the New York Times. He's served as the official artist of several noteworthy cultural events, including the Grammy Awards and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also ventured in sports, designing for the World Cup, Super Bowl, World Series, and even the livery on Dale Earnhardt's iconic 2000 All-Star Race car.
"Marineland is thrilled to announce the arrival of MAX, the latest addition to the FC3 Turtle Trail," said Gaston King, Marineland's marketing director. "We are honored to be a part of this prestigious trail, which highlights the creativity of artists and the vibrancy of local businesses. MAX will be showcased next to our iconic coquina arch, a historic photo spot that has been a favorite among visitors from around the globe for 86 years. We are excited to see MAX become part of this cherished tradition, and look forward to welcoming many guests to experience this unique piece of history in the years to come. We are honored that TD Bank sponsored this turtle and chose Marineland to be the beneficiary of this public art."
The Flagler County Cultural Council now leads the expansion of the locally iconic Turtle Trail, started in 2018 by the Palm Coast Arts Foundation. The trail has become a way of landmarking some of Flagler County's most significant and beloved institutions, with a uniquely-designed turtle sculpture providing a new and colorful experience at each location which has been enshrined.
The current Turtle Trail consists of the following:
