Have you seen the new in-progress mural at Quick Print Express on South Florida Avenue? It’s by artist Ahmad Taylor, a Lakeland native now based in Atlanta and known as “The Atlanta Illustrator” — you can learn more about him here. When we caught a glimpse of his latest mural’s retro-inspired design, it got us thinking about which other Lakeland walls could do with a fresh coat of paint.
The Dixieland Art Infusion Project made the area a hot spot for murals like this new one. Quick Print Express was one of 17 businesses that originally signed on for the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency’s project. The goal was to turn this stretch of road into an “Art Infusion Corridor.”
You won’t just find these murals in Dixieland. You’ll see these large-scale works of art on business exteriors and interiors, tucked into alleyways, or facing busy streets all over Lakeland.
Gillian Fazio’s next local mural will be unveiled soon at Fresh Kitchen.
Photo by @gfazioart
How is the location of a new mural decided? In our Q+A with Lakeland muralist Gillian Fazio, she revealed a bit of the process. While she started out approaching businesses to paint their walls, eventually they began reaching out to her — including the new Fresh Kitchen location.
That leads us to our question: Where would you put Lakeland’s next mural? Tell us which business, point of interest, or blank wall you think deserves a pop of color (bonus points if you share an idea for the design). We may share your idea in an upcoming newsletter to see if it inspires an artist — or a local business owner.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. City Editor Connor would love to add a “Swan Lake"-inspired mural to the front facade of the Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton. City Editor Rilee is hoping for some color at the Sherwin-Williams Commercial Paint Store on South Florida Avenue. Release your inner artist and complete our survey.
What you said
Where would you like to see a new mural in Lakeland?
“Building at 120 S Florida Ave” —Reader Chris H.
“SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus” —Reader Richele F.
“The Summit Building in downtown Lakeland---Lot’s of mural space there!!” —Reader Cyndi T.
“Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q” —Reader Tiffany H.
“The Joinery” —Reader Chloe U.
What design would you put there?
“African American Community Pioneers” —Reader Cappie W.
“illustration of the skyline of Lakeland” —Reader Jonelle D.
“Some unique fictitious stamp images of several landmarks of Lkld such as Lake Mirror facing Lakeland, of course the Sandhill cranes, and even a Cuban sandwich…not traditional landmarks!” —Reader Towana E.
