- November 21, 2024
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by: Angelene Davis
Multimedia Associate, City of Palm Coast
The word Chuluota has several meanings: "Isle of Pines," or "Pine Island," or "Land of Lakes and Pines" or "beautiful place," depending upon whom you ask. The pronunciation is a derivative of the Creek Indian word “Chuluoto.” Here at City Hall, Chuluota is the given name to a public art piece donated by a local mixed-media artist named Ron Wallace.
Palm Coast resident Ron Wallace is an award-winning artist who uses primarily organic materials in all of his work. He is inspired by nature and mostly, by creatures of the sea.
“My art work is something that gives me a place to go and focus on nothing else, but what I am working on at the time," he said. "I was a scuba diver for 35 years, diving old wrecks up and down the East Coast and around the world. Those years left a big impression on the sights and critters I have seen, and I try to create my vision of them.”
Chuluota the eagle is a combination of welded steel, palm tree fronds, epoxy, paint and glue. He sits upon a natural driftwood pedestal that was found in the canals of Palm Coast. This sculpture took approximately three weeks to complete.
Chuluota is currently located in the City Hall building hallway outside of the Community Development Department. Visitors are welcome during normal office hours. You can find more his collection at Ron Wallace Studios or local art shows. His next exhibit will be featured at the 11th-annual Old Town Art Show in downtown St. Augustine at Francis Field on April 9 and 10.
For more on public art in the city, visit palmcoastgov.com/artsdistrict.
