(Above) Located on the patio wall of Tako Cheena on Mills 50 is a string of different mural pieces brought together through a collective color palette consisting of reds, blues, oranges, and yellows, to create one cohesive masterpiece at this Asian fusion restaurant. Just near school, Mills 50 is known as “The intersection of creativity and culture,” according to its Facebook page. There are countless opportunities for artistic expression, as there’s murals everywhere that paint the streets in color. This allows for representation of Orlando’s many talented artists and attracts Orlando residents to enjoy Mills 50’s unique restaurants, nightlife, live music, museums, and shopping opportunities. Check out some of this district’s murals the next time you drive to school!
Florida is a mixture of different cultural and artistic expressions as seen through various different art forms. With different cultures spreading their wings through murals across the state of Florida, graffiti has become a larger attraction for art lovers. Since buildings have started to become more modern and professional, hiring artists to work on the side of them and bring architecture to life has been at an all-time high. Furthermore, artists have taken their artistic talents beyond typical buildings to highways, tunnels, and abandoned buildings, transforming cities into a burst of color while making skylines look modern and sleek. Murals are a powerful outlet to express an artist’s vision or tell the story of a community. Many artists have begun to collaborate with other artists from different cultures to bring out the best of both worlds. Artists have also used their works of art as protests against certain laws and actions using their city as a canvas for justice. The art of the mural is hot in the Sunshine State, and there are numerous must-sees and hidden gems that are picture-perfect.
(Above) Mr. Robbie Lee, Middle School art teacher, took his watercolor painting A Robot’s Arc and turned it into a mural located on the side of Sam Flax on 1800 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803. He says, “My paintings use robot and animal imagery to explore the human experience.” (Hayden Roberts)(Above) Florida, especially Winter Garden, is famous for its orange groves. Its deep history dates back to the 1500s when Spanish explorers brought orange seeds to the region. In a corner of Main Street in Downtown Winter Garden, PJ Svejda’s mural of an orange tree symbolizes one of the most important aspects of the town, including a carved heart with Winter Garden’s initials etched in the tree. (Alyssa Wiboon)(Above) Nadya was invited to work on the side of Pho Vinh, a Vietnamese restaurant on 657 S Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803. Nadya is known for her bright color schemes and use of culture in her art. She takes traditional patterns and uses different modern nontraditional colors to bring her roots and her passions to life. You can check out more of her graffiti work on her Instagram @nadyablo. (Hayden Roberts)(Above) Many memorials have been painted of famous singers, historical figures, activists, and more. The Dolly Parton mural on Mills is a representation of modern styles with 70s colors. This mural was done by HUMAKERART, who is known for doing murals of famous actors and actresses who have passed away. HUMAKERART has lately gotten attention for work in midtown Miami. HUMKERART recently redid this model with butterflies at the Sam Flax in December two years ago. (Hayden Roberts)(Above) Many artists have competed in Sam Flax’s mural showcase. This showcase dates back to the mid-2000s as the start of the Sam Flax Wall Project. The purpose of the wall project was to create a sense of community outside the store. After starting in 2011 it would have follow-ups in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021. In 2021, 11 artists participated bringing their visions to life. (Hayden Roberts)(Above) Last year gangs destroyed many different works of art along Colonial Drive, causing many artists’ works of art to remain damaged, mainly because artists were scared that they would get damaged again. However, Sam Flax has invited artists to come back and restore their works. Above the lightbulb was originally painted to have yellow hues along the outside as if it were illuminated, but after the change the lightbulb is painted to be turned off and broken reflecting the feelings of the artist after his work was destroyed. (Hayden Roberts)(Above) Sam Flax has many different artists come work on the side of their buildings for the art festival bringing different styles of art. Lately, Mr. Guerrier has gotten a lot of publicity for his work grabbing the attention of larger companies and businesses like Sam Flax. Mr. Guerrirer is known for his style and works representing the African American Community through traditional shapes and colors. (Hayden Roberts)(Above) A few years ago Orlando suffered a horrible loss in the LGBTQ+ community with 49 people being shot at a Pulse Night Club. Ever since many have protested in marches, on social media, and art. In the Milk District, there are many different types of murals, most of which are on the sides of taverns or clubs. This mural serves as a memorial above an abandoned gas station on the corner. Many people use the Orlando United heart as a symbol of protest, while others use quotes from famous singers, actors, or activists. The mural uses Marvin Gaye and his most famous quote, “For only love can conquer hate” to pay tribute to all of those who lost their lives that fateful night. (Hayden Roberts)
Alyssa Wiboon, grade 12, is the Editor-in-Chief of Lake Highland Preparatory School's Upper School newspaper Twice-Told Tale, and Director of Photography of the Upper School literary magazine By Any Other Name, both nationally recognized by the American Scholastic Press Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Alyssa is also the Co-President of her school’s club, Paws for a Cause, where she helps spread awareness for animals within local Orlando shelters. Outside of school, she enjoys Irish dancing, going to the beach, crocheting, and watching movies. With over 200 service hours, Alyssa prioritizes helping local communities in any way she can, whether it be at her church or nearby food banks. In the future, she plans to pursue optometry and continue her passion for writing in college.
Hayden Roberts is a sports writer for Lake Highland Preparatory School's Upper School newspaper Twice-Told Tale. Hayden has been writing for the newspaper since January 2023. Roberts loves to cover and write about all different sports and hopes one day to study sports journalism. When not writing, Roberts enjoys playing volleyball.
