FOLIO
Words by Jason Tetlak
The National Mural Awards has invited three nationally recognized muralists to the First Coast to paint alongside local artists for the first ever Jacksonville Mural Festival. The event, which will be held Jan. 22-25, 2025 promises to add color to the growing Rail Yard District and help highlight the economic growth happening in the area with events throughout the festival.
Presented in partnership with Rail Yard District Business Council and sponsored by Dennis + Ives, MFG Merch and Bono’s BBQ, the festival will help install eye-catching murals on a number of buildings in the neighborhood.
Executive Director of the National Mural Awards Jason Tetlak, a local Jacksonville artist himself, said the festival is long overdue. “Most mural festivals around the country happen in the summer or early fall because a muralist’s work depends on the blessing of the weather. We realized that Jacksonville was a perfect place to attract great artists from other areas of the country whose work typically slows down in the winter. It allows the amazing artists and creatives in our city to work with and learn from their counterparts from all over the U.S. while showcasing the Rail Yard District as well as Jacksonville itself to a wider audience.”
To get a sneak peak at the invited artists’ work, check out their Instagram accounts. The invited artists include Emma Gilbert from Birmingham (@ emmagilbertart), Kristen Sandlin from Memphis (@rogue.murals), Phil Seth from Pittsburgh (@philsethcreative) and Zulu Painter from St. Petersburg (@zulupainter1), along with several local artists including Scotie Cousin (@scotiecousin), and Ally Brody (@ ally_brody).
For a complete list of activities happening during the festival, visit nationalmuralawards.com.
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