- December 20, 2024
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Public art in Ormond Beach continues to grow, as the City Commission approved the creation of a new mural on the beachside at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
To be painted on a west-facing wall at the building at 200 E. Granada Blvd., the mural will be styled after a vintage postcard, containing the words “Greetings from Ormond Beach.” It will be located on a wall near the entrance of the new Swillerbees Craft Donuts.
“It captures the essence of Florida’s golden era in the 1950s, evoking a sense of carefree optimism,” the mural application to the city reads. “By incorporating iconic, historic landmarks—some still standing today—the mural pays tribute to the area’s rich heritage while offering a glimpse into its enchanting past.”
The mural will feature Chief Tomokie, the Ormond Hotel, Ormond Garage, old Ormond-by-the-Sea pier, the World War II submarine watchtower and the Ellinor Village Country Club’s pool.
It will be painted by Daytona Beach artist Sean Johnson, who has over 35 years of arts experience. He has been painting murals since about 1992 when he was introduced to it by artist Perego, but this will be his first work commissioned for a city.
“Ormond Beach has such a rich history and ... it’s such a nice place to visit,” Johnson said. “I’m absolutely honored to be a part of it.”
Johnson is hoping to start working on the mural next week, with the target to have it completed in three to four days.
A native of Chicago, Johnson’s love of art began when he was a child, finding inspiration in the pages of comic books and his classically trained uncle Ken. Johnson later became part of his high school’s visual art program, and upon graduating, moved to Daytona Beach and enrolled in the Southeast Center of Graphic Design.
He’s lost count of how many murals he has painted over the years, but said this one will allow him to combine his love of public art with his passion for capturing the essence of a community.
Johnson became involved with the mural through a mutual artist friend, David Hettel, who was working with building owner and former City Commissioner Dwight Selby on the concept. Johnson reached out and the Selby explained he wanted a mid-century modern feel.
“When he said that, I was like, ‘That’s right up my alley,” Johnson said. “That’s the kind of thing I’ve been looking out for years but ever had a chance to really do it that much.”
At the City Commission meeting, Selby said he came up with the idea for the mural when he was a commissioner about four years ago.
“It’s not an original idea — you see murals like this all over the country,” Selby said.
However, the city’s mural agreement prohibits words. So to move forward, Selby entered into an agreement with the city so that it would own the art.
“We hope that a lot of people will take pictures in front of it,” Selby said.
Ormond MainStreet and Commissioner-elect Kristin Deaton have teamed up to collect disaster relief donations for the Hurricane Helene flood victims in North and South Carolina.
Donations will be collected through Oct. 18 at the Ormond MainStreet office, located at at 44 W. Granada Blvd. Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment with Ormond MainStreet Executive Director Becky Parker.
The following items are being requested:
Monetary donations can also be made via Venmo @kadeaton3.
After Oct. 18, a team will deliver the donations to North Carolina, according to a Facebook post by Ormond MainStreet.
