Today, Friends of The Underline  announced the finalists for its open call to artists to design an Art Deco-inspired bench: Carola Bravo, Daniel Marosi, and Troy Simmons. All heralding from South Florida, each finalist demonstrated incredible promise, showcasing unique perspectives and creativity. The open call received numerous applications, reflecting greater Miami’s diverse artistic talent. Each finalist will receive a $3,000 honorarium to help them advance their proposals. 

From these three finalists, The Underline’s esteemed Art Advisory Council (UAAC) will work alongside the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Art in Public Places Program Professional Advisory Committee, and Trust to select the winner. This panel will review the final proposals based on artistic merit, alignment with the project’s goals, and adherence to the established specifications. 

Thanks to the generous support of local philanthropist Jessie Wolfson, The Underline will be home to a welcoming and unique Art Deco-inspired outdoor garden bench. Drawing inspiration from Miami’s iconic Art Deco legacy and Ms. Wolfson’s late husband, Bernard Wolfson’s passion for the style. The bench will honor his role as a committed patron of the arts, developer and curator of the award-winning art collection of the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell Downtown. 

The winning artist will be commissioned to fabricate and install a bench to be placed in Phase 3’s Stormwater Ponds. Located near Granada Boulevard in Coral Gables, the ponds are part of The Underline’s green infrastructure that creates a resilience hub that is cooling Miami and cleaning stormwater runoff from the Miami Metrorail. 

The Underline’s commitment to art accessibility, community engagement, and fostering local talent is demonstrated in the current art installations found in The Underline’s first 2.6 miles of the trail. This new art initiative promises to be a significant addition to Miami’s rich cultural landscape. 

The winner of the open call will be announced in April 2025. 

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE UNDERLINE  The Underline is a 10-mile linear park and urban trail that runs beneath the Metrorail from the Miami River to Dadeland South. The park is designed to create a vibrant public space that connects communities, promotes health and wellness, and encourages sustainable transportation. The Underline features a variety of amenities, including bike and pedestrian paths, exercise equipment, and public art. For more information about The Underline, please visit www.theunderline.org and @theunderlinemia on Facebook, X, and Instagram.