A “living art mural” is coming to downtown Ocala.
The city has announced that international Miami-based artist Ernesto Maranje will begin Monday painting the west-facing wall at the Brick City Center for the Arts at 23 SE Broadway. The project, commissioned by the city’s Cultural Arts and Sciences Division through public-private funding, is a collaboration between Maranje, artist and fabricator Mike Zeak and horticulturalist Suzanne Shuffitt. Maranje’s concept was approved by the Ocala Municipal Art Commission.
The concept for the mural is a unique blend of street art, incorporating horticulture into the design. When completed, it will be one of only a few like it in the world – and the only one in Marion County. The design incorporates Florida flora and fauna into a cohesive concept. The focal point of the mural is a Florida black bear accompanied by two Roseate spoonbills. The background ties in native plants, blue sky and water.
The mural makes use of attached, custom-fabricated plant trellises that will house carefully curated plants and plant material. The plantings will be incorporated into the design to create a semi-three-dimensional look.
Maranje’s work is a purposeful reminder of the relationship all living creatures share with each other. Colorful, whimsical and hinting at many interpretations and possibilities, his art is one of a kind.
“This piece will add to our continually growing public art collection,” said Laura Walker, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division Head for Ocala.
Maranje is a Miami-based painter and muralist. He has painted murals at home and abroad, including Ukraine, Iraq, the Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanon, Greece and Spain.
Maranje discovered his passion for art while in the Coast Guard. He uses his vivid imagination to portray the unity of animals and plants by pulling different segments from each and making it a cohesive whole. Not only is the result pleasing to the eye, it reminds the viewer of our connection with nature.
The City of Ocala offers many visual and performing art opportunities in city spaces. Public art is complimentary and is intended for everyone to enjoy. Detailed information about current programming and future projects can be found at www.ocalafl.org/culturalarts. Self-guided public art tours are available at Ocala.oncell.com.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Department at (352) 629-8447, artwalk@ocalafl.org or www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.