Coconut Grove Peacock Tour Brings Public Art to the Streets of the Grove

On a crisp fall day in Coconut Grove recently, the lines were long for taking pictures with peacocks. Not the live ones, but a beautiful, larger-than-life fiberglass kind. They are artistic masterpieces that have invaded the streets and parks of Coconut Grove. Inspired by the colorful birds that wander Coconut Grove's residential streets, more than 20 larger-than-life fiberglass peacock statues have charmed and inspired the visitors and residents of Coconut Grove. This historic event celebrates the artist community in Coconut Grove with works of art that are incredibly inspiring and a first for Coconut Grove in this genre.


"This unique, interactive public art exhibition will captivate the attention of visitors all summer long, until the end of December," said Heather Bettner, a long-time Grove resident who curated the art exhibition. "We expect thousands of visitors, residents and art fans to enjoy and learn about these incredible artists." Each of the fiberglass peacocks is painted by a noted Coconut Grove or Miami artist. They include Eileen Seitz, who created Queen of the Grove and Majestic Peacock; Deborah Starbuck, who created a tribute to Commodore Monroe (above left); Erika King and her collage of notable Grovites; Fred Hunt, who is the oldest artist in the tour and is nationally recognized, and local celebrity artist Romero Britto.

The Coconut Grove Peacock Tour presenting sponsors are Hampton Inn of Coconut Grove, as well as the Shoppes of Mayfair. Each peacock is also sponsored individually. Sponsors includes Milam's Supermarket, Zoo Miami, The Miami Heat, EWM Realty, Shell Lumber, Fresh Market and many more. For a full list of sponsors and the artists, go to www.coconutgrovepeacocktour.com. The Coconut Grove Peacock Tour runs through December 30, and then the peacocks will be auctioned off for charity.