Here comes the sun. And it’s more than just all right.

After months of design, creation and installation, the first major work of public art on St. Petersburg’s west side is ready for its closeup. Sweat equity in the books, artists Laura Spencer, George Retkes and Alex Kaufman will unveil the Sunshine City Mosaic Wednesday afternoon in a public ceremony.

The mosaic sidewalk – built from 15,000 carefully-cut pieces of porcelain tile and glass – is 175 feet long and five feet wide. Depicted are various animals, birds, fish and more, indigenous to this part of Florida. With a glowing, orange sun (made of Florida oranges) at dead center.

The five-foot-wide walkway intersects the 4.9 acre, city-owned Sunset Park.

Three years ago, the artists replied to an RFP from the City of St. Petersburg. The Parks and Recreation Department was interested in sprucing up the pretty little greenspace at the intersection of Central Avenue and Park Street.

Spencer, Retkes and Kaufman were awarded the contract for their proposed mosaic sidewalk, and the lengthy process of design and fabrication began, interrupted by red tape, unavoidable delays and more than a couple of hurricanes.

“It definitely crept along a little further than we anticipated,” said Retkes, “but we had a set vision and we knew what needed to happen. So we knew we’d get there eventually.”

READ MORE: Artists create mosaic ‘love letter’ to natural St. Pete

Every tile was hand-cut, using a sophisticated waterjet machine, and hand-placed into the artwork, usually in blazing afternoon sunlight.

In a way, said Kaufman, the trio is already suffering from “empty nest syndrome.” It will be hard to break their months-long, hands-and-knees routine at the park. To let their baby go.

“I still feel like I’m going to be coming out here once a week to sweep it and make sure it’s OK,” joked Spencer.

The artists applaud the City for the bold westward expansion of public art, she added.

“We’ve had so many people in the neighborhood, even the local businesses, going ‘Can you guys get a playground put in there?!’ And we’re ‘Well, we don’t design playgrounds, we design art,’ but we love the idea.”

“I’m hoping that this project is the catalyst for more usage of the park. And maybe if more people show up because of this mosaic, that will warrant the installation or a playground, or adult exercise equipment. Certainly more events, getting the food trucks back out … it’s a really beautiful piece of land.

“And the sky is outrageous at sunset. We got to see the sunset every single day. I think I’m going to miss that the most.”

The artists were paid $50,000 for their efforts, which they say barely covered their costs. The City poured concrete curbing on each side of the sidewalk – the width is ADA compliant, and wheelchairs are welcome, as well as baby and pet strollers. The mosaic surface is tough.

Skaters and skateboarders, on the other hand, are discouraged. The artists hope a sign will be installed: “Respect the art – please walk your wheels.”

They’re also hopeful that “The Sunshine City Mosaic at Sunset Park” will become a “destination” on Google Maps (it’s under consideration).

“And there’s quite a few people that come to this park from the neighborhoods,” observed Kaufman. “Really great art, you just discover. You just happen to see it. So people who walk past just stop and stare at it.”

Wednesday’s dedication event begins at 5 p.m. Speakers included Mayor Ken Welch, Council Chair Copley Gerdes, nd Celeste Davis, the City’s Director of Arts, Culture, and Tourism.

 The family-friendly event will include mosaic-themed arts and crafts, lawn games, and food and refreshments while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets.

 Parking is available at the former Pasadena Card Club, at 10 Park St. N. There is also limited street parking on the south side of the park.