Public art is part of Downtown's distinctive streetscape and there soon will be new examples on the parking garage along Adams Street adjacent to the Yates Building.
Four 9-by-50 panels on the structure's stair towers will become the canvas for three local artists through the City's Art in Public Places program.
The panels on the northeast corner of the garage will be designed and painted by Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre, members of the Milagros Art Collective in St. Augustine. They have created urban murals in more than 20 cities, including Brooklyn, Gainesville and New Orleans, said Christie Holechek, Art in Public Places program manager.
"Their design captures the energy and vibrancy of Downtown," she said.
The northwest corner panels will be painted by Sean Mahan, an artist based in Neptune Beach. Holechek said "growth and change" was Mahan's design concept.
With its location along Adams Street near the exit ramp from the Hart Bridge, the mural on the Market Street side of the garage is intended to be a "gateway to Downtown," said Holechek.
"The mural on the Newnan Street side is more for pedestrians," she said.
The artists and designs were chosen by a panel based on artistic excellence, professional experience and the use of sustainable materials.
Holechek said the budget for the murals is $35,000. The project is scheduled to be completed before the April 17-21 "One Spark" Crowdfunding Festival.
The Art in Public Places program was enacted by City Council in 1997 and is administered by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
The City ordinance mandates that 0.75-percent of the construction cost of public buildings be devoted to installations of public art. Since its creation, more than $3 million has been generated for public art installations in Duval County.
(904) 356-2466
Facebook.com/jaxdailyrecord