Cultural Arts
New Murals Are Coming to Downtown
The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency’s
downtown mural program enters Phase II in May,
with the creation of three new murals on cityowned
properties. Artists DAAS (Austin, Texas),
MJ Lindo-Lawyer (Santa Rosa, Calif.), and Cecilia Lueza
(St. Petersburg, Fla.) will use their talents to bring colorful
creations to life at 701 Franklin St. and the intersection of
Cleveland Street and Garden Avenue.
DAAS, Lindo-Lawyer, and Lueza were selected from more
than 190 applicants from across the country.
“These new murals are a great way of expanding downtown
Clearwater’s reputation as an arts-friendly destination,” said
Christopher Hubbard, the city’s cultural affairs coordinator.
“By commissioning high-quality murals in a variety of
locations, we’re weaving art and culture into the fabric of
everyday life.”
Phase II builds upon the success of the CRA’s initial
program, which saw four murals painted on city-owned and
private properties throughout downtown.
62 MyClearwater
“The first phase of the Downtown Clearwater Mural
Program in 2018 was the first, large-scale public mural
program in downtown,” said Amanda Thompson, CRA
director. “We’re thrilled to see this next phase energize our
community this year, as downtown becomes the next great
arts destination in Tampa Bay.”
“It’s important to me to create works that are engaging,
timeless, innovative, and provide a sense of place and
identity to public spaces,” said artist Cecilia Lueza. “I love
the challenge of conquering large walls and spaces with
beautiful and meaningful art. It brings an amazing feeling of
accomplishment.”
Lueza is known for her upbeat artworks that feature vibrant
colors and incorporate elements of nature and geometry. She
has painted murals throughout Florida, including her largest
ever – 21,600 square feet – on a parking garage in West
Palm Beach.
To see photos and videos of the second phase of murals, and
to explore downtown Clearwater with a self-guided arts and
culture tour, visit downtownclearwater.com.
/downtownclearwater.com