Jazz Man sculpture takes spot on Tallahassee's History and Culture trail

Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
·3 min read

Tallahassee's newest outdoor artwork strikes a historical note.

The second sculpture along the growing History and Culture Trail was installed earlier this month. A project of Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, the City of Tallahassee and Leon County Government, the History and Culture Trail includes a variety of public artworks that honor the resilient neighborhoods, civil rights advocates and economic engines of the communities located adjacent to Cascades Trail and FAMU Way.

Once complete, new public art pieces will be installed through the project, representing the largest infusion of outdoor public art in Tallahassee’s history.

“The Jazz Man” sculpture was placed at the market area near the FAMU Way playground for the History and Culture Trail in early August, 2023.
“The Jazz Man” sculpture was placed at the market area near the FAMU Way playground for the History and Culture Trail in early August, 2023.

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Since its kickoff last October, three murals and two sculptures have been completed as part of the project. The artists, works, and locations are:

• Bradley Cooley, Jr. (Lamont, Florida) - “The Jazz Man” sculpture, located at the market area near the FAMU Way playground.• Mark Dickson (Tallahassee) - “In Honor of the Worker” sculpture, located at the St. Marks Trailhead on FAMU Way.• Yasaman Mehrsa (Toronto, Canada) - “We Are All One” murals, located at Anita R. Favors Plaza.• Joseph Cowdrey (New Jersey) - “A Stroll Down Seaboard” mural, located at the market area near the FAMU Way playground.

"The 'Jazz Man' sculpture is a distinctive artwork celebrating the profound history and culture of African American neighborhoods in our community," stated IA Board Chair and Leon County At-Large Commissioner Carolyn Cummings. "Seeing the History and Culture Trail come alive with each installation has been fulfilling. I eagerly anticipate celebrating the entire project with a community event upon its completion early next year."

The 1.5-mile History and Culture Trail between South Adams Street and North Lake Bradford Road is part of Blueprint’s Capital Cascades Trail Segment 3 Project, which began construction in 2013. Once complete, the History and Culture Trail will join other amenities along FAMU Way, including the Skateable Art Park, Coal Chute Pond Park, Anita R. Favors Plaza, the market area, a playground and more.

Sculptor Bradley Cooper Jr. poses with his “The Jazz Man” sculpture, located at the market area near the FAMU Way playground.
Sculptor Bradley Cooper Jr. poses with his “The Jazz Man” sculpture, located at the market area near the FAMU Way playground.

In addition to the public art, 11 history monuments will be installed along the Trail. They will include images and information gathered through years of extensive research about the neighborhoods, businesses and individuals who lived and worked in the area. The Trail’s public artworks further enhance and interpret these historical accounts while offering more opportunities for meaningful engagement and reflection.

“The Trail adds to the existing vibrancy of the Southside, growing it as a destination and economic hub,” said City of Tallahassee Commissioner Curtis Richardson. “This exciting project complements the roughly $315 million in public infrastructure investments we’ve recently made in the Southside, which are paying off for our entire community.”

Bradley Cooley, Jr. a former resident of Tallahassee now living in Lamont, is one of the seven selected artists for the History and Culture Trail. Cooley created “The Jazz Man,” sculpture to commemorate Tallahassee's rich musical history of jazz and the local legends who have called the area home.

Bradley Cooley Jr. created “The Jazz Man" sculpture to commemorate Tallahassee's rich musical history of jazz and the local legends who have called the area home.
Bradley Cooley Jr. created “The Jazz Man" sculpture to commemorate Tallahassee's rich musical history of jazz and the local legends who have called the area home.

“The History and Culture Trail has been an exciting project for Blueprint,” said Blueprint Director Autumn Calder. “The return on investment is substantial as public art and historical sites drive tourism, foster long-term economic prosperity, and contribute to creating a sense of place.”

“I’ve done a number of pieces all over the country, but this piece is special. I’m humbled to do it and I think it’ll be a great addition to our area. I hope the people of Tallahassee can enjoy it,’ said Cooley.

More sculptures and history monuments will be installed throughout the year. The grand celebration of the Capital Cascades Trail Segment 3 is anticipated for early 2024.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee's History and Culture Trail installs Jazz Man sculpture