A vibrant, semi-permanent mural by nationally renowned public artist Ansley Randall, located at the intersection of San Marco Boulevard and Nira Street, Jacksonville, will be dedicated at noon Thursday, Feb. 16.
The project was initiated by District 5 City Council Member LeAnna Cumber and made possible by the city’s public works crosswalk revitalization funding to complement asphalt crack repair and pavement coating work conducted by 1st Choice Engineering Construction & Development.
Randall’s untitled design was informed by the local community to reinforce the neighborhood’s identity and place while also brightening the pedestrian and driver experience.
She led the implementation over four days between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in early January. The 47-by-48-foot artwork is projected to remain for three years subject to traffic volume.
Randall, an artist based in Atlantic Beach, has been instrumental in championing designs reflecting Jacksonville neighborhoods. In 2017, she founded Jax Is Rad, a platform that highlights Jacksonville artists, musicians and businesses that contribute to the cultural identity of the city. While accomplished here locally, Randall’s murals also enliven other major international metropolitan cities such as Miami, New York and Bristol in the United Kingdom.
“We are delighted to engage a broad audience of all ages through Ansley’s vibrant artistry and are grateful for our partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which supported infusing public art into improvements that enhance the safety and walkability of the San Marco intersection,” said Cultural Council Executive Director Diana Donovan.
The dedication will take place at noon in Conference Room 3B at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, located at 1301 Palm Ave. near the new public art. Parking is available on level 3 or 4 of Parking Garage P4, accessible off Gary Street or Palm Avenue.
Randall began her career at Flagler College studying graphic design and fine art. Drawing inspiration from her immediate environment, textiles and fashion, her murals are often characterized by bright colors and mid-century-inspired shapes culminating in retro pieces designed to bring joy to those who experience them. Learn more at ansleyrandall.com.
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville aims to enrich life in Northeast Florida by investing in Arts and Culture. Founded 50 years ago, the Cultural Council operates as a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization staffed by professionals and governed by a volunteer board of directors. It provides a range of services to ignite the creative economy and to address the ever-changing needs of the arts and cultural sector and broader community.
Learn more at culturalcouncil.org.
