Many people outside of our state associate Florida with sandy beaches, theme parks and other tourist attractions, but those of us who live, work and play here know that Florida is much more than that. There is a wild side to Florida populated by black bears, egrets, panthers and other fauna that depend on our environment for their very existence.
On Saturday, October 14, the public and various dignitaries gathered at Brooksville City Hall for the unveiling of a mural that depicts all of these features and more−a reminder of what we have here and what could be easily lost if we don’t protect it. Ocala artist Justin Alsedek (www.gypsea-arts.com) painted the mural with the help of fellow artist Jesse Kasabian.
It took a number of groups, businesses and individuals coming together to plan and fund the mural project. The person who brought this idea to the city of Brooksville was Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation (www.floridawildlifecorridor.org).
Ms. Dimmitt stated, “The purpose of the foundation is to champion a collaborative campaign to connect, protect and restore portions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor for people and nature.”
Their aim is not to stop development altogether but to protect as much of the habitat as quickly as they can and to encourage the most corridor-compatible development possible. There are two areas that they work to preserve. One is those areas already designated as “Protected.” The other are those portions not yet in protective status. These are known as “Corridor Opportunities.”
“The mural campaign is essential because it helps brand that corridor geography raising awareness of both the Protected and the Opportunity areas through art,” Ms. Dimmitt remarked.
Once the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation got Brooksville Main Street and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council on board, it was up to them, along with their joint Design Committee, to find a location and commission an artist to paint the mural. After scouting out several locations, the committee decided on a wall at the entrance to the Brooksville city hall. After the city council gave the green light to the project, the next step was to find the money.
With the help of two local businessmen−Blair Hensley with Florida Cracker Kitchen and John Lee with Coney Island Hot Dogs−a fundraising drive began. Robby Garcia with Garcia Farms in Clewiston also stepped in to help. Their goal was to raise $12,864 which would be matched by a grant from Community Foundation Tampa Bay (www.cftampabayorg). This 501 c(3) connects people and ideas across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. They are philanthropic partners, connectors and advisors that strive to meet the critical needs of our area and champion solutions.
The next step was to hire an artist to paint the mural. The committee decided on Justin Alsedek. He presented a design to the committee and after just a few suggested changes, Alsedek started the mural. He brought along Jesse Kasabian to aid in the painting the mural.
The two worked an average of six days a week for three weeks to complete the mural, even working in the rain and at night with the aid of lights. They used exterior house paint, first applying two coats of a white masonry sealer to seal the bricks and give them a “blank canvas” to paint on, rather than painting directly on the red bricks.
Next, Alsedek sketched the picture on the white background. He then instructed Kasabian on what colors to use where. The result was a colorful three-dimensional, stained glass effect. The last step was putting on a protective coating. The mural is entitled “Keeping it Wild.”
Not only can people see the mural up close in person, but there is also smart technology embedded into the mural or the surrounding site so that they can access a digital copy and information about the mural on their smart phones.
The work of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and the establishment of these murals all over the state help to preserve these essential areas. It benefits, not only the flora and fauna, but also helps the local population enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The tourism industry benefits also because many people come to Florida specifically to see our wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
This beautiful work of art with a message demonstrates what can be accomplished when people get together for a common cause.
