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Sarasota News Leader March 29, 2013 Page 51 tained its embrace of realistic depiction. On Larry Thompson, president of the Ringling that windy afternoon, the artistic capacitance College of Art and Design, hit the high note, saying, "This is the physical manifestation of almost created sparks. the value of arts to the City of Sarasota. We John Henry, the sculptor of the unique Com- need to get more and more of it." % plexus, did not mention the derivative piece across the street, but his remarks seemed to embrace both types of art. "Overlooking the Gulf, this is a sentinel protecting the cultural life of this city," he said. "It will be here forever." And so will the sailor and the nurse and the other myriad of original (and not-so-original) pieces of art the City of Sarasota is collecting. Public art is starting to show up in many different places. Some are as in-your-face as Complexus, while others are surprises in unusual places. There was the usual razzmatazz at the ceremony — thanks to the generous donors who made it possible, words of welcome and praise by the mayor: You get the idea. Larry Thompson, president of the Ringling College of Art and Design, offers remarks. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sculptor John Henry addresses the group. Photo by Norman Schimmel Mayor Suzanne Atwell speaks with artist John Henry at the Complexus dedication. Photo by Norman Schimmel