City of Homestead Mural Unveiling

Homestead’s Historic Downtown came alive with color on July 31 as the city hosted two major art events — the unveiling of two Everglades-themed murals at the Historic Seminole Theatre and the opening of a new exhibit at etc Art Gallery.

In Losner Park, Mayor Steve Losner, joined by Council Members Tom Davis, Larry Roth, Jenifer Bailey, Erica Avila, and Clemente Canabal, led the mural unveiling ceremony. They were joined by State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, State Representative Kevin Chambliss, City Manager Zerry Ihekwaba, Parks and Recreation Director Pedro Reynaldos, and Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp with Deputy Chief Luis Almaguer.

Losner highlighted the city’s Art in Public Places program, which requires developers of large projects to incorporate public art or contribute to a public art fund. The program funded the two new murals and will also support upcoming projects, including a long-delayed light sculpture for the Cybarium and a moveable installation depicting mangroves.

The first mural, an Everglades sunrise, was painted by Tallahassee-based artist Kenny Maguire, who spent 47 days and 8 hours creating the work using 5-inch brushes. “Homestead has a place in my heart,” Maguire said. “I was honored to do this.”

The second mural, created entirely with spray paint by Colorado artist AJ Davis, features a Great Blue Heron alongside the Ghost Orchid and Hieroglyphic Moth — two endangered Everglades species. Davis incorporated a QR code into the piece, allowing viewers to activate an augmented reality animation that brings the mural to life.

Meanwhile, etc Art Gallery opened a new exhibit featuring the watercolors of local artist Diane Lary, on display through August at 257 N Krome Ave. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.