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Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 Page 28 and learn about the artists and how the pieces were created, Warner said. Atwell discussed how Warner and other roundabout advocates have convinced some residents that roundabouts are the way to go in Sarasota. This sculpture in Idaho Falls, ID, incorporates a waterfall. Image courtesy City of Sarasota "A lot of people had fear about roundabouts," Atwell said. "And here, today, we are talking about how we decorate roundabouts. We have elevated [roundabouts] to so much in this community. Because this is what works. It is wonderful that we are at this point." On Monday, Mayor Shannon Snyder had a FUNDING favorable reaction to the concept for the big As with any other public art project, how to displays. secure funding often becomes a significant "We need to plan for some artwork in there," challenge — and in the early conceptual phase Snyder said. of the roundabout art project, it is a very big question. But the mayor noted that a slow approach would be best. "We should not rush trying to "The sculpture(s) need to be large, and the fill these things before they are built," Snyder expense will be large," said Public Art Comadded of the roundabouts. mittee member Jeffrey Weisman. "It's critical we get [the artwork] on the books One initial estimate puts the total cost at $2.5 with FDOT," said City Commissioner Suzanne million to $3 million for the 10 roundabouts Atwell. on U.S. 41. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which oversees U.S. 41, has never before constructed a multi-roundabout project with public art in the middle, Warner said. But the sculptures have been incorporated in other states' projects. And several Florida cities have included public art in smaller roundabouts. Warner does not think money should come from the city or county, although both local governments will have to work closely with FDOT to plan the roundabout art. "Funding for the centers will not come from the taxpayer," Warner said. "That will come from contributions from foundations and donations." Cities from Anchorage, AK, to San Antonio, TX, have also put art in their roundabouts. There is a possibility that nearby universities, Bend, OR, even has a smartphone app so vis- such as the Ringling College of Art and Deitors can read a description of each sculpture sign, and some corporate partners could be