He’s big, blue, and the perfect symbol of Wilton Manors’ commitment to public art. "Thunderbunny," the art installation in Justin Flippen Park, is here to stay. On Jan. 25, the city officially held a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome "Thunderbunny" to Wilton Drive.

“The community of Wilton Manors made this happen,” artist Hunt Slonem said after the ceremony. “I’m for art being in public places where it’s seen. It shouldn’t be in just art fairs or private collections.”

"Thunderbunny" was installed last year and was originally on loan to the city. Its popularity, height, and quirkiness made it an instant hit with residents and viewers.

“We’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response to this public art installation,” Mayor Scott Newton said. “Our residents and visitors love to stop and take pictures of 'Thunderbunny' and share it with others, which is what public art is all about. 'Thunderbunny' is bright, colorful, and stands out, just like our Island City.”

The blue, 13-foot, glass mosaic bunny rises from ground level and appears to be keeping an eye on the shenanigans of Wilton Drive. It’s the latest of many public art displays in the city.

Slonem has created rabbit-based art for years. It is his sign in the Chinese zodiac, and he paints about eight hours a day. At one point, he decided he wanted to make three-dimensional versions.

“The rabbit has so much connected to it from 'Alice in Wonderland' and other great literary references,” Slonem said.