Did you know? There are 16 bronze sculptures throughout the Orange County Convention Center all sculpted from various local and national artists. Most of them depict a native Florida animal, everything ranging from panthers to ospreys and pelicans to otters. Placed all throughout the inside and outside of our West Building, which one have you come across during your visit?

One sculpture in particular disappeared during construction at the convention center and was later recovered in 2010 when a Georgia resident contacted the artist Scott Shaffer about the bronze alligator in her backyard that her deceased husband purchased at a flea market back in 2001. It has since been returned and placed back in its’ home near the Oversight Pedestrian Bridge.

The Orphans (black bear cubs), sculpted by artist Dollores Bryson Shelledy, was designed after the Yellow Stone park fire of 1988. Their forever home is now in the West Hall C lobby by the entrance doors.

Some of the largest bronze sculptures would be the Florida Panthers and the Manatees located outside of the Hall D-F area of the West Building. They provide a great photo-op during your visit. Be sure to tag us in your photo with #OCFLArts.