African-American Woman, Photography by Xavier Photographic Art
There is nothing that speaks to you about a city more than the artwork you find in the public spaces. In October of each year, St. Petersburg invites artists to create wall murals to help bring the city to life.
These are photos of murals found in the Deuces Live District which is adjacent to the Warehouse Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg. The area is an African-American community with many locally-owned business that in recent months have been shuttered and closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
I saw restaurants, beauty salons, art galleries, and other business that now looked lifeless instead of full of the people, music, smells and sounds that bring us together in community and common interests. I pray that they will reopen and thrive as the restrictions are lifted.
Aretha Franklin Mural, Photography by Xavier Photographic Art
Despite the quiet there was also a vibrancy when I saw colorful, creative, moving cultural murals that inspire, uplift and bring a smile to your face as you drive by or just walk the streets – like these of Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin -oh, yes! The pink cadillac!
Mahalia Jackson Mural, Photography by Xavier Photographic Art
You don’t always have to go inside the museum when it lives on the outside walls of your community. Think of your own city and the wall art that you see and what it means to your city and to you.
It was a pleasure watching each of the blogs included in this email. You are having lots of well deserved fun. Loved each of the images. Continue enjoying this chapter of your life.
Thank you for your words and thank you for reading. It is a very difficult time for everyone now and as we try to stay safe and well and get through not only the virus issues but the political and social issues, its nice to be able to remember to smile and enjoy life along the way. Take care!