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Friday, March 29, 2024

Local artist thrilled to be chosen as creator of Ocala’s first selfie wall mural

Justin Alsedek

A specialized “selfie wall mural” is coming to downtown Ocala.

The city, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, has selected local artist Justin Alsedek to create the mural on the south-facing wall inside the courtyard at the Brick City Center for the Arts, located at 23 SW Broadway. The project, which gets under way Monday, June 1, was commissioned through private funding by an anonymous donor and will be the downtown area’s first selfie wall mural.

Alsedek’s concept was selected from among 25 entries in a call for proposals open exclusively to Ocala/Marion County artists. It includes several flowers and a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in a downpour. A large green leaf in the middle of the mural provides a break in the rain, and that is where Alsedek envisions individuals or groups huddling up for their selfies, seeking shelter from the storm under the leaf.

Alsedek began his artistic career in Harrisburg, Pa., in a home where creativity and music were highly encouraged. He graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Photography. He founded his art career, Gypsea Arts, traveling from beach town to beach town as a quick sketch portrait artist, where he perfected his craft and branched out into new mediums.

Alsedek moved to Ocala three years ago after eight years on the road and has since seen his artistic career blossom. He felt a special connection to the mural installation site and gives Marion Cultural Alliance credit for helping him find inspiration to begin painting again. He currently works on individual commissioned pieces and participates in the juried art show circuit. He participated at last year’s Ocala Arts Festival hosted by Fine Arts for Ocala.

Local artist Justin Alsedek posted this photo on his Facebook page on May 28 when announcing his excitement at being selected to paint the City of Ocala’s first selfie wall mural, which will be on the south-facing wall inside the courtyard at Brick City Center for the Arts.

Alsedek recently shared his excitement for being selected to paint the mural on his Facebook page.

“I’m honored to be putting up a piece outdoors for the public here in Ocala and even more excited that it will be at the Brick City Center for the Arts,” he wrote. “Stay tuned as this beauty unfolds!”

The City of Ocala offers many visual 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.