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Art Oasis Mural Festival Update
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SUMMARY:
Currently, three murals in the North Greenwood area have been completed. The first, located at the North Greenwood Library, was created by artist Ashley Cassens and funded by the library through the Clark Turner Trust. This mural is particularly meaningful, as it was largely designed by library staff and incorporates elements that reflect the library’s identity, including a tribute to a beloved staff member who passed away, Clearwater’s first African-American librarian Christine Wigfall Morris and an astronaut recognizing the Main Library’s Branch Manager who is an official NASA Ambassador, as well as other hidden “Easter eggs”.
Two additional murals funded by the CRA have also been completed. The mural at Safehouse, located at 1201 N. Betty Lane, was completed by artist Carlos Jefferson on May 6. The mural at Cherry Harris Park, located at 1141 Beckett Street on the octagon restroom building, was completed by artist Zulu Painter on May 3.
Two more murals are scheduled to begin this week. The first will be at the Isay M. Gulley Center Head Start building, located at 1045 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, and will be completed by artist Sharard Saddlers. This project is funded by the CRA. The second will be at the Parks Beautification Building, located at 510 Pennsylvania Avenue, and will be completed by artist Michael Vahl. This will be the largest mural project, with the entire front and side of the building being painted. The design reflects community input, with an emphasis on creating a vibrant piece visible from Plaza Park and representing the neighborhood and the activities enjoyed in local parks. Although this site is within the North Greenwood neighborhood, it falls outside CRA boundaries and is funded by the Neighborhoods Division within the Public Communications Department, along with support from the Public Art Fund.
An additional mural has been approved by the CRA for Let’s Go Carting, located at 500 N. Fort Harrison Avenue. The business owner has selected artist Hannah Lorra for this project.
Lastly, a mural is planned for the storage building at the North Greenwood Recreation Center. A community survey is currently available to gather input on preferred themes prior to artist selection.
Once all murals are completed, staff anticipates hosting a community event to showcase the artwork and provide an opportunity for participating artists to speak about their work.