“Gulf Coast’s generous offer is bringing us closer to making this wonderful project a reality, and we are delighted that the foundation sees this inspiring piece of public art as we do—as a means to draw attention to the need for all of us to collectively seek a more peaceful world,” Louise Hall, the art center’s grant chairman, said.

The grant was approved from the Anna V. Pfister, Nellie Mae Koss, and Helen K. Hadden Memorial Endowment Fund, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of North Port. “Mrs. Hadden generously established her fund here to support organizations that serve and better the community she loved,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “This community art project can provide a focal point to connect and enrich the lives of neighbors in North Port, as well as people who visit.”

Besides the Gulf Coast grant, the art center has received $5,000 commitments from the City of North Port and Sarasota County Commissioners. The art center still needs to raise an additional $5,000 in order to meet the eligibility requirements of the county’s Tourist Development Council, which will provide additional funds for the project when the art center receives final approval. All commitments are contingent upon the art center’s ability to raise the remaining funds.

Under the TDC rules, projects receiving grant awards must contribute to tourist development within the county during “off-peak” months of the tourist season. Projects must be completed and presented between October 2012 and September of 2013.

The “Mandalas for World Peace” sculpture will measure 4 x 8 feet, and consist of 18 3-D clay circle designs. Cheer, an instructor at the art center, will design the main mandala while seventeen other clay artists will each contribute their own mandalas, which will be incorporated within the design. The entire sculpture will be executed with water from Warm Mineral Springs, recognized by many worldwide for its healing properties.

Cheer said he chose the mandala design to inspire viewers to embrace the concept of peace throughout the world and to promote international understanding among nations. The mandala is considered a sacred symbol in many world cultures and religions

Kindly donate to assist the art center in raising the remaining funds.