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Rise and SHINE: Mural Festival Oct. 13-22
The streets and alleyways of downtown St. Pete will once again play home to an international cast of artists and their crews when the SHINE Mural Festival returns October 13-22. SHINE will add 14 new murals throughout the art districts plus a series of street art related events, tours, and community Bright Spot projects.
In its ninth year, SHINE has created nearly 150 murals throughout downtown, earning the city a reputation as an international arts destination. The 10-day event, produced by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and a large number of volunteers, features an impressive line-up of local, national and international mural artist. The festival recently announced a new title sponsor – REFLECTION St. Pete, a luxury condominium residence currently under construction on Mirror Lake.
A number of events hosted by various venues will be offered during the week. Community Bright Spots – murals that invite the community to paint – include:
“Girl Power” with The Happy Mural Project and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida - A color by number mural hosted by Alyssa Marie of The Happy Mural Project and completed by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, designed to inspire and empower girls and young women through art. CrossFit 9, 2727 6th Ave South
Chenlin Cai and The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art - The James Museum partners with Chenlin Cai to create a mural that is an extension of The James Museum's special Exhibition From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier to highlight the resiliency and self-determination of Chinese Americans who helped build the American West. Cai's work explores the dichotomy between the two cultures he inhabits, and this project speaks to identity and community and how the past can impact the present. Lantmännen Unibake, 1927 4th Ave South
Artist Greater Public Studio in partnership with USF St. Petersburg brings an expansive asphalt mural to the USF Campus, 6th Ave. S. & 2nd St. S. drawing inspiration from marine biology, offering an abstract interpretation of an underwater realm. It invites viewers to explore a world where imaginative marine elements and intricate ecosystems merge on city streets, evoking the enigmatic allure of our oceans.
We suggest downloading a map and spending an evening visiting the murals when the artists are usually busy at work. For artist bios, the 2023 map of murals, Bright Spot project information and full event details, visit stpeteartsalliance.org/ shine-2023.
You can to deliver the lunches to the artists directly and see their work in progress! Plus there are many more opportunities to assist during SHINE week as well! Sign up to volunteer now
