Replacing Mr. Red

Help Shape the Future of Public Art at Gulfstream Avenue

Mr. Red, a beloved sculpture by the late artist David Langley, has long been one of Sarasota’s most recognizable pieces of public art. Crafted from painted aluminum and installed near Gulfstream Avenue and Cocoanut Avenue, the work captures the city’s vibrant and creative spirit, becoming a familiar landmark for residents and visitors.

After sustaining severe damage during Hurricane Milton, following earlier restorations that included major repairs after Hurricane Ian, the sculpture was removed for safety and preservation. Due to repeated storm damage and the material’s vulnerability to coastal conditions, returning the original Mr. Red to its previous location is not possible.

Now, the City of Sarasota Public Art Program is inviting the community to help envision what comes next for this prominent waterfront site.

We’re seeking ideas that celebrate Sarasota’s creativity while ensuring any new artwork will be:

• Structurally strong and suited to the coastal environment

• Thoughtfully designed for this highly visible location

• Clearly visible to both drivers and pedestrians, given the intersection’s complexity and safety considerations

As part of this process, we welcome community input on potential directions, such as:

• A replica of Mr. Red in a more durable material

• A new companion piece inspired by Langley’s original design

• The relocation of another artwork from the City’s collection that would benefit from the Gulfstream site

• Or an entirely new sculpture that reflects Sarasota’s artistic energy and resilience in a fresh way

Public Art Program staff will collect community input using this website and share it with the Public Art Committee as part of the planning process for the site’s next installation.