Signs From Our Past

Delray’s murals—and love of the arts—is a hallmark of the city

Tyler Childress’s story in this issue on some of Delray’s murals mirrors how I often think about Delray now. Amid the throngs of people and the traffic and the bustle, I have to remind myself that hiding in plain sight is the Delray I fell in love with decades ago.

That Delray had Artists’ Alley (which always sounded like the Amazon because Brenda’s Birds was still there) and the first early whimsical sculptures in Pineapple Grove. It had receptions for the opening of exhibitions at the Cornell, and it had the Crest at Old School Square. In those days, Delray took great pride in its identity as a town that was supportive of the arts, Arts Garage, Arts Warehouse, galleries popping up, art shows, free music on Friday nights. And woven throughout were the colorful murals on so many buildings that I always took for granted; I was happy to read here (page 50) about what they meant. And what inspired them.

As Delray moves forward—and it is moving all the time—I am hoping the pressure to develop and transform and build does not erase the city’s connection to the arts. I also hope the city continues to honor its traditions, events like Savor the Avenue and the Delray Affair, both of which practically define springtime here.

These are two events that affirm community in a city that has changed from small resort town into a bustling hot spot before our very eyes, especially in the last eight years.

There is no denying the fact that South Florida has a tradition of eating itself alive, one bite at a time, in the name of development. Just look at what happened up the road on A1A to the Seaside Deli; one day a rare and treasured community touch point for everyone from Delray to Manalapan, the next, possible developer bait for still more condos. I hope that does not happen to Delray any more than it already has, and I hope it does not affect the city’s fragile hold on the arts at this point.

We need to keep preserving our sense of place and our people—like our murals do—before that Delray we have loved is lost to memory.

Things I Love About

“We are so thankful to have Bethesda Hospital so close to home. The Emergency Department is the hospital’s front door, so we are thrilled with the plans for renovation. We hope the community will join us in donating to such a critical need.”

– Kelly & Pascal Liguori, Bethesda Hospital Grateful Patients and Volunteers

Through the incredible generosity of those in Boynton Beach and nearby communities, Baptist Health Foundation’s Bethesda Hospital Emergency Services campaign is now at 70% of goal. Every dollar raised will support the complete redesign and renovation of the Emergency Department at Bethesda East Hospital. When completed, this modern facility will offer private rooms, smart technology and optimized patient care.

Give today. Visit BaptistHealth.net/Giving.

Email Giving@BaptistHealth.net . Or call 561-737-7733 ext. 84445.

Spring Flings

Green Beer, Dining in the Street, Doggie Dates & More

BY CHRISTINA WOOD