The Belleair Beach Causeway
3900 W. Bay Dr.,
Belleair Bluffs, FL 34640
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Description of Artwork: The sculptures for this special project were designed, fabricated, constructed and installed by sculptor Bob Emser, from Eureka, Illinois, and are titled The Sisters of Belle Isle (2 works,west end) and Sky Sail Rising (east end) of the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge. The Sisters consists of 2 side-by-side sculptures along the walkway, one which is 9’ tall and the other is 8’ tall. On the land side of the bridge in Belleair Shores, Sky Sail Rising soars 24’ high as a gateway to the intercoastal. The works were inspired by the natural beauty of the island beach landscape and the Intracoastal waters. Located along the walkways, the stainless steel and aluminum sculptures are meant to engage both drivers and walkers as they traverse the bridge and causeway.

Bob Emser is an internationally-recognized sculptor, having shown on four continents, seven countries and 27 states in the U.S. His extensive body of work, dating back to 1978, can be seen in cities, municipalities, sculpture parks, museums and institutions of higher learning.

During his 30-year career, he has served as a visiting artist and has taught at several universities, held a tenured professorship, and founded a not-for-profit art center that is still in existence. He has also served as the executive director of Chicago’s international sculpture exhibition, Pier Walk. Currently he is the president of Chicago Sculpture International, the local affiliate of International Sculpture Center, on whose Board of Directors he has served. Emser focuses his full-time efforts on creating sculptures for public and private spaces.

West side of bridge

East (Land) Side of Bridge