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Public Art Dedication at St. Petersburg Field Center February 2001 in this issue:  previous story | next story On January 3rd, the SPFC hosted a dedication for 'Moby,' the newly finished public art associated with the USGS Getting Building. The ceremony was held indoors in the Normile Conference Room because of the unusually chilly Florida weather. Center Chief Lisa Robbins gave welcoming remarks. Brief statements were made by George Cretekos (from Congressman Bill Young's office), USGS Director Charles (Chip) Groat, Martin Normile (Executive Vice-President of St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership), USF President Judy Genshaft, Peter Betzer (Dean, College of Marine Science), Margaret Miller (USF Public Art Director), Vincent Ahern (USF Coordinator of Public Art) and the artist Richard Beckman. A reception followed the ceremony. The art piece, designed by Richard Beckman (Assistant Professor, USF), is a terrazzo table and bench located in the courtyard. The round table and serpentine bench represent a hurricane and barrier island. Beckman spent months interviewing scientists and staff at the Center before choosing his topic and medium. Based on this research, he chose the hurricane motif because of the overwhelming influence of hurricanes on coastal environments. Building 'Moby' was a labor-intensive job that took about 18 months to complete and included approximately 24,000 nuts and bolts hand screwed into place. Those who eat lunch at the bench/art piece every day agree that this artwork is a fine example of form and function. Also attending the ceremony from Reston were Drs. Bonnie McGregor (Regional Director), Dave Russ (Eastern Regional Geologist), and Dave Bornholdt (Eastern Region Deputy Biologist). In the morning, Chip gave an all-hands talk, then spent the rest of the day with Bonnie, Dave and Dave visiting Center scientists, who briefed them on the latest science and projects. in this issue:  previous story | next story

February 2001 Mailing List: Sign up to receive monthly email updates: in this issue: Monterey Bay Gas Hydrate Web Site Science Fair Night cover story: Tampa Bay Pilot Study Art Dedication Signell Sabatical Knebel Retires Welcome to Jessie Lacy BRD Fish Center Director Visits WHFC February Publications List

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