Art is full of surprises. The element of surprise is intriguing for almost any audience, and here in Pensacola, it seems that art turns up in the most unexpected of places. Ask anyone who has spent a day exploring Pensacola.
In October of 2018, street artist Banksy spontaneously shredded his painting, “Girl with Balloon,” only seconds after it sold for $1.4 million during an auction at Sotheby’s in London. Video of the self-destructing artwork went viral, and the stunt that left the piece in tatters caught the attention of viewers worldwide. To say this was an unusual moment in the fine art world would be an understatement, but isn’t creativity supposed to be about thinking outside of the box?
Among the farmers and bakers selling goods at Palafox Market each Saturday, talented artisans offer homemade wares including paintings and jewelry, handcrafted purses and clothing, woodworking and ceramics. Your unicorn may be waiting for you here! The market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N. Palafox St. between Wright St. and Garden St.
As you stroll through the downtown area, be sure to glance at the Blue Angels mural painted on the Jefferson Street parking garage, or any of several large, 8-foot by 8-foot outdoor mural cubes. These works were created during past Foo Foo Festival events. Foo Foo showcases creative works and experiences in downtown Pensacola for 12 days each November.
Other new visual art is popping up all the time. New murals have been added in the Historic Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood, as well as local businesses like Henny Penny’s Patisserie at 4412 W. Jackson St. Bring your sweet tooth because all good art goes well with cupcakes, right? At LIVE! Juice Bar & More, 532 W. Garden St., a graffiti artist created a mural memorializing the late chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain along with a message about suicide prevention.
The UWF Historic Trust has installed two murals dedicated to preserving Pensacola’s maritime history. You’ll find them on the south wall of the Museum of Commerce and the west wall of Voices of Pensacola.
So the next time you are in Pensacola, look beyond the famed Graffiti Bridge. It is one of the city’s most colorful and dynamic landmarks, yes. It’s not to be missed. But unexpected art is found all around.
Observe, take photos, interact – it’s all part of the cultural experience that anyone can enjoy in Pensacola.
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