ART
Heartfelt hello
Large sculpture to greet visitors
to the hub of Tradition
BY KERRY FIRTH
This 100-foot-tall metal sculpture by Filipino-American artist JEFRË will soon grace the entrance to Tradition.
ome February, the HEART of Tradition
in Port St. Lucie will boldly rise 100 feet
in the air, making it one of the tallest
sculptures of its kind in the world. Echoing
the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis,
the HEART will be visible from Tradition’s
main entrance near Interstate 95 welcoming
all to the heart of Tradition where people can meet, gather,
interact and spark new connections.
The mirrored, stainless steel sculpture named HEART to
HEART, commissioned by Mattamy Homes and constructed
by international artist JEFRË, will rise with a gentle twist
above a circular water pool measuring 30 feet in diameter.
Guests will revel at the panoramic view when they climb
to the glass bridge connecting the two sides of the HEART
and stroll along the walkway overlooking families below
and the communities in the distance. During the day, the sun
will reflect on the sculpture’s polished surface and the water
below. At night it will be dramatically lit by LED lights.
JEFRË
JEFRË specializes in environmental art which energizes
public spaces in ways that transform the urban landscape
and bring people together to share a common experience.
His attention to the aesthetic and community elements make
him a master at creating a one of a kind, signature attraction.
“Tradition is what is in your heart. I just want to show
how big it can be,” JEFRË said. “My goal is to create an
iconic landmark for the city and people of Tradition, a postcard
moment that brings people together.”
Mattamy Homes, the largest privately-owned home
builder in North America, will build the foundation at
the intersection of Discovery Way and Village Parkway in
preparation of the HEART installation, which is targeted for
installation and a public dedication on Valentine’s Day.
“HEART to HEART will draw residents and visitors to an
experience unlike any other,” said Dan Grosswalk, Mattamy
president of Southeast Florida Division. “JEFRË understands
our vision for Tradition and how integral art is to life
in our community.
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Port St. Lucie Magazine 41
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