As part of New Wave’s season kickoff, this lunchtime gathering brings together artists, collectors, arts advocates, and community members for a conversation about the role of public art in shaping Palm Beach County’s cultural landscape.

Rooted in New Wave’s mission to support artists through access to time, space, professional development, and meaningful public engagement opportunities, the program explores how public art commissions can expand artistic practices while connecting artists with broader audiences and communities.

Featuring artists from West Palm Beach’s Art in Public Places program, the panel will consider how artists adapt, expand, and grow their practices through public commissions — from working at a larger scale and navigating new materials to collaborating with architects, engineers, municipalities, and other stakeholders.

The program will feature artist José Alvarez (D.O.P.A.) alongside additional artists from the West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places programs, including Lauren Shapiro and Laura Tanner Graham. Moderated by Amanda Sanfilippo Long, Curator and Artist Manager, Art in Public Places.

Following the discussion and audience Q&A, attendees will enjoy a boxed lunch and have the opportunity to participate in a guided walkthrough of the Mandel Public Library’s art collection and meet artist José Alvarez (D.O.P.A.) to learn more about his site-specific installation, Surround Me with Your Love (May All Beings Be Happy and Free), commissioned through West Palm Beach’s Art in Public Places program.

Designed as a “lunch and learn” experience, the event offers an opportunity for meaningful exchange between artists, cultural leaders, and the public while celebrating the transformative role of art in civic life.

Gallery Photos Below: Surround Me with Your Love (May All Beings Be Happy and Free) Installation by José Alvarez Commissioned by West Palm Beach Art in Public Places at The Urban. Photo credit: Oriol Tarridas