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Art in Unexpected Places

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?

Palafox Market

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.

Murals and More

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.

Explore Murals in Pensacola

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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.

A Step Above Student Art

At Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, which occupies a space in the shadows of Interstate 110, artists are almost always getting their hands dirty creating everything from pottery to blown glass. Peruse the public exhibits housed at the center, or try an art class or open studio session. Or just enjoy the large mural along the inside of their building.

New students, faculty, and visitors to Pensacola State College may be taken aback when they first observe famous works of art draped large across the side of some of the buildings on the Pensacola campus. PSC’s outdoor gallery made its debut with a 15-foot wide by 20-foot tall reproduction of the famous Johannes Vermeer painting, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” which hangs from Building 14 and is visible from 9th Ave. Other works in the outdoor exhibit are Steve McCurry’s “Boy in Mid-Flight,” Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” and Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” Pensacola State College is also home to the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, which features both a permanent collection of art and rotating exhibits throughout the year that is free to visitors.

You can also find unique creations at First City Art Center. My personal favorite is the glass pumpkin patch that is done annually during the fall season. With a variety of programs offered, be sure and check their class schedule to find out what kind of art you'd like to get creative in. They offer painting, drawing, hand-built and wheel ceramics, sculpture, stained glass, and more. The First City Art Center also houses the only public glass-blowing facility in Northwest Florida!

Fine Art in Finer Places

At Pensacola Beach, rinse the sand off of your feet and step inside the Hilton Pensacola Beach , where you may be surprised to find a permanent gallery on the second floor. The Luna Gallery features the work of local and regional artists, all of which is available for purchase. Souvenir, anyone?

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.

Amy Minchin

Author

Amy Minchin

Amy Minchin has vacationed in Northwest Florida since she was a young child. Despite a few sunburns and freckles picked up along the way, she’s been proud to call the Pensacola area home for the last seven years. She and her husband enjoy sharing Pensacola’s natural beauty, history and culture with their three daughters. An award-winning writer, Amy left a career in corporate communications and marketing to pursue freelance writing and consulting opportunities. Her writing has been published in the Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Birmingham Magazine, Lakeland Ledger, UAB Magazine and UWF Connection. Amy shares her family’s adventures and helps others discover ways to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer on Instagram. Follow her at @sandinmyminivan.

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