Pat Greene and the Corridor Project are bringing a new wave of public art to Orlando, and this time, it’s landing on the Downtown Orlando Connector, a multi-use trail that will soon connect to the Orlando Downtown Loop. The installation stretches between Anderson St. and Mills Avenue near the Greenwood Cemetery all the way to the Orlando Skate Park near the Executive Airport off Crystal Lake. The project blends physical movement with visual reflection and officially launches on April 26 at 10 a.m. with a kickoff event near the Orlando Skate Park.

“It’s not about putting up a monument that sits for 200 years,” Pat says. “It’s about temporary public art, art that lives with the city and moves with it.”

Eight local artists are featured in the debut exhibition, each chosen for the authenticity and community feel of their work. The pieces, framed in sculptural cedar with a rammed earth bottom created by artist and fabricator Javier Guillan, will be mirrored at both ends of the path forming a sort of visual echo as you ride or walk through. The project is led by Pat Greene alongside David Cookson, who handles design and business, and Erica Greear, who co-curates and leads on graphics.

“It’s placemaking,” Pat explains. “We want this to feel like part of the neighborhood, not just something plopped into it. And we want it to reflect who’s here.”

The project’s democratic spirit continues in its call for artists, which opens the same day the installation launches. The art will rotate quarterly ensuring the exhibit evolves and grows. Submissions from Central Florida artists are welcome, and selected artists will receive $500 (a rarity in many public art projects).

How they'll select upcoming artists for future rotations

For future rotations, they'll be looking for work that feels personal, rooted, and reflective of the community. “A painting of the Eiffel Tower probably won’t get picked,” Pat laughed. “But a piece that captures the spirit of this place? That’s what we want.” They're not looking for something that has to be site specific, but it should look like it belongs in the area and it feel like it came from an individual.

Ben Shepler, who highlights the good and bad of biking in Orlando on his Instagram page said, “I think commissioning local artists to showcase their art on bike trails, and really anywhere in the built environment, is such a great investment. I love seeing art when I’m biking. In a sea of asphalt and concrete, it’s such a welcome reprieve that gives you a little dopamine boost every time you ride by.”

Beyond aesthetics, projects like this tap into something deeper. They promote wellness, encourage movement, and remind us that culture isn’t confined to galleries but exists all around us, in downtowns, neighborhoods, parks, etc. It’s in the details we notice when we slow down.

Funding for the projected was provided by the City of Orlando with an additional contribution from Commissioner Patty Sheehan. First round of artists include Chris Robb, Stefan M, Matt Duke, Gisela Romero, Emily Martinez, Justin Luper, Leah Sandler, and Boy Kong.

Where to Start Your Ride

If you're looking to experience the art firsthand, there are a couple of easy spots to park:

Greenwood Urban Wetlands: A quiet and scenic place to start near the cemetery. There's usually free parking available.

Orlando Skate Park: Just off the executive airport, this is the official launch point of the exhibit and a great place to begin your ride.