Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve the Purchase and Installation of Three (3) Mosaic Artworks Proposed by J Muzacz at Torino Regional Park (P26-160).
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Submitted By: Bethany Grubbs, AICP, Senior Planner/Public Art Program
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to Enjoy Culture, Nature and Recreation.
Executive Summary (General Business): The recommended artist and mosaic designs for the three restroom buildings at Torino Regional Park were selected through the invitational RFP process. The mosaics will enhance the restroom exteriors and complement the park’s woodland theme. This project is a joint effort between the Parks & Recreation Department and the Art in Public Places Program.
Presentation Information: Designing Local, the City’s public art consultant, will present the selection process and recommended artist concepts.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the purchase and installation of three (3) mosaic artworks by artist J Muzacz, as recommended by the Public Art Advisory Board.
Alternate Motions:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the purchase and installation of another artist’s artwork.
2. Move that the Council not approve the selection, reject all proposals, and provide direction to staff and Public Art Advisory Board.
Background: On September 15, 2026, the Public Art Advisory Board recommended approval of artist J Muzacz’s mosaic designs for inclusion at Torino Regional Park. Installation is anticipated in 2027.
Torino Regional Park is a 195-acre regional destination, the largest park in the city, designed around a “Play Forest” concept shaped by extensive community input. Phase 1 amenities include themed playground pods, splash pads, pickleball and basketball courts, trails, pavilions, restrooms, and a future all-wheels skate park.
The restroom mosaics enhance the park’s fairytale-forest theme and visually elevate three key facilities:
• Skate Park Restroom: Fire-breathing dragon mosaic elements.
• Playground/Splash Pad Restroom: Fairytale Forest map depicting the playground pods and themed critters.
• Trailhead Restroom: Woodland-storybook fauna inspired by surrounding pine scrub habitats.
Issues/Analysis: An invitational RFP was issued on June 4, 2026, targeting artists experienced in large-scale outdoor mosaic installations. Five artists were contacted, two initially agreed to participate, and three ultimately submitted proposals.
Selected Artist
The Selection Committee identified J Muzacz as the frontrunner. An Austin-based mosaic artist known for large-scale installations, Muzacz integrates community participation and uses both pixel-style tile layouts and freeform ceramic compositions. Materials include repurposed ceramic tile, glass, stone, and porcelain.
• Skate Park Mosaic: A dynamic composition centered on a phoenix and fire-breathing dragon surrounding an enchanted castle. The imagery aligns with the activity level of the skate area and with the Phoenix Castle playground feature.
• Playground Mosaic: A repeating fairytale forest pattern with unicorns, dragonflies, native rain lilies, bears, bunnies, cranes, butterflies, and abstract silhouettes arranged in a pixel-style layout that promotes discovery and child engagement.
• Trailhead Mosaic: A layered woodland collage featuring deer, owls, hawks, rabbits, frogs, mushrooms, and a hidden fairy. The design encourages repeat viewing through dense detail and subtle fantasy elements.
Additionally, the artist is placing a strong emphasis on community engagement as part of this project. To support this, the artist proposes hosting Pixel Workshops, where residents can actively participate in creating sections of the mural. During these workshops, participants will receive small grid templates (like a color-by-number layout) that represent one-square-foot portions of the final artwork. Community participants complete their assigned mosaic grids, creating a hands-on experience that builds ownership and a personal connection to the final installation
Financial Information: The budget is $200,000. Finalists submitted updated concepts under a required Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). $100,000 will be funded through the Public Art Fund and $100,000 will be funded through Park Impact Fees.
Special Consideration: Mosaic artwork is well-suited for Florida’s climate due to its long-term durability and resistance to UV exposure, moisture, and weathering. Although mosaics have higher upfront costs than painted murals, they provide significantly longer lifespans and reduced long-term maintenance.
Location of Project: 5601 North Torino Parkway, generally located on the east side of North Torino Parkway, between NW Conley Drive and Delcris Drive.
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. J Muzacz (Frontrunner)
2. Alex Kaufman (2nd)
3. Naomi Fischer (3rd)
4. Request for Proposals (RFP)
5. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
6. Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Carly Fabien, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.