City Of West Palm Beach: New Public Art Mural "Florida Flora" Will Beautify Downtown Gateway

West Palm Beach FL

04 November, 2021

10:18 AM

Description

Press release from the City of West Palm Beach: 11/04/2021 8:20 AM Rendering of Daniel Barojas' "Florida Flora WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 4, 2021) – The City of West Palm Beach, through its ArtLife WPB public art program, and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) have jointly commissioned "Florida Flora," a large-scale mural by multimedia artist Daniel Barojas that will beautify one of the city's downtown gateways. On Oct. 18, 2021, city commissioners approved the installation of the artwork on the exterior service yard wall of FPL's substation on Charlotte Avenue. The wall, adjacent to Okeechobee Boulevard, is located near one of downtown's most prominent entry points, with an average of 64,000 vehicular trips per day. The installation of "Florida Flora" is expected to begin in November 2021 and be completed before the end of the year. "This mural will make art even more accessible for residents and visitors while adding to the city's growing reputation as a destination for arts and culture," said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. "I am grateful to FPL for the partnership to bring Daniel Barojas' vibrant talents to our city's public art collection." The central image of "Florida Flora" is a rising tree sapling, signifying the beginning of life and growth, set against a backdrop of intense sunset colors. Barojas intends to depict the image in various color fields highlighting three to four plant species inspired by the colorful foliage of South Florida. "The goal is to create a visually positive image upon entering the downtown corridor with an expressive, bold and colorful mural. A custom pattern inspired by Florida's leaves and botanicals will give the piece texture, movement and strong visual impact," said Sybille Welter, ArtLife WPB's administrator of public art and culture. "The project will also help advance ArtLife WPB's commitment to champion artists as vital contributors to our cityscape." This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed here are the author's own.