A Tinkertoy-like landmark on McGregor Boulevard is back to its old self after its run-in with Hurricane Ian.
Made by late Fort Myers artist James DiGiorgio, the towering sculpture “You Are Here” can be seen on the Alliance for the Arts campus at the intersection of Colonial Boulevard. Ian damaged the sculpture in 2022 and knocked it off its mount.
DiGiorgio created the sculpture in 2006. It resembles something built from a classic Tinkertoys kids construction set with its giant cylinder punctured by colorful rods.
The artist also made its sister sculpture on the Alliance campus, “Car Helix.” He died in 2021.
A respectful restoration for Fort Myers sculpture
Artist and fabricator Jason “Sandman” Sanders restored the sculpture on the Alliance campus. The work included cleaning, repainting and welding; remounting the sculpture at its original angle; and adding an anchoring system to help the sculpture withstand future storms.
The Alliance announced July 28 that work on the project had been completed.
“The path to restoration has been long, but it is so important…” Alliance operations director Jordan Jameson said in a news release. “Restoration is more than repairing and painting; it’s about preserving the stories, creativity and history that make our campus unique.
“James DiGiorgio’s work has become part of the identity of the Alliance, and we’re incredibly grateful to Jason Sanders and Hermit Garage for restoring ‘You Are Here’ with such exceptional craftsmanship and respect for James’ vision. This sculpture will continue inspiring our community for generations to come.”
DiGiorgio’s other work in Lee County includes the decorative lobby chandeliers in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
“It was an honor to be trusted to restore ‘You Are Here,'” Sanders, founder of art studio Hermit Garage, said in the news release. “I’m humbled to have been part of bringing new life to such an iconic piece in our community.”
The restoration was part of the Alliance’s ongoing ArtsPark initiative, a long-term project designed to transform the 10-acre campus with walking paths, permanent and rotating sculpture installations, a pet memorial and more.
Sanders will next turn his attention to restoring DiGiorgio’s other Alliance sculpture, “Car Helix,” which was also damaged by Ian.
Charles Runnells covers arts and entertainment for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@usatodayco.com. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook(@charles.runnells.7), Instagram (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells)
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers landmark restored to former glory after Hurricane Ian
Reporting by Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
