Tapestries Lakeland Revisited
Tapestries Lakeland Revisited April 4 – May 7
In 2018, Lakeland’s streets became a canvas.
Tapestries Lakeland brought together 43 artists to create 65 large-scale painted works known as “Un-Murals” - artworks not painted directly on walls, but on oversized canvas and installed throughout Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland. These vibrant, unexpected installations transformed everyday spaces into moments of color, curiosity, and connection.
Now, years later, this ambitious public art project returns in a new form.
Tapestries Lakeland Revisited gathers a selection of these original works into the gallery space for the first time, offering a rare opportunity to experience them up close. Removed from their urban settings, the tapestries reveal layers of detail that were often missed when viewed from the street.
The original project invited artists to interpret Lakeland freely, with no prescribed theme beyond creating work that would harmonize with the surrounding environment and engage the public. The result was a diverse and energetic collection designed to entertain, provoke thought, and encourage interaction.
This exhibition also reflects the depth of Lakeland’s creative community. Alongside established artists, emerging and student artists contributed to the project, creating a cross-section of voices and perspectives that still resonates today.
Originally installed from November 2018 through early 2020, the tapestries became part of the city’s visual identity - appearing on buildings, in gathering spaces, and along well-traveled streets. Funded through a collaborative effort between local organizations, businesses, and community supporters, the project directly invested in artists while expanding access to public art.
Today, Tapestries Lakeland Revisited offers both a moment of reflection and a documenting of history.
For the first time ever, these works are available for purchase - transforming what was once a temporary public experience into an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Lakeland’s cultural history.
This exhibition is more than a return. It is a reintroduction, a recontextualization, and a celebration of what happens when art meets community in a bold and lasting way.
Visit Tapestries Lakeland Revisited at the Depot Arts District at 955 E. Memorial Blvd.
Look on the bright side Life can be tough and challenging at times. Look on the brighter side of what life has offered to you in the past, and what possibilities it could have in store for the future. Stay positive!
School of Fish School of Fish is an enlargement and second incarnation of an earlier pen and ink diptych drawing I created in 2013. Stylistically, this motif was inspired by the cubic flair of New York street artist, muralist, and legendary Rock Steady Crew member Doze Green.
Firefly Garden Firefly Garden draws inspiration from summers growing up in Maryland where lightning bugs light up the sky at dusk. Their presence in Florida’s delicate ecosystem is sorely missed. The botanical arrangement of flowers was inspired from Joni Mitchell’s art and first album cover in 1968 Song to a Seagull.
I See the Moon Early one morning I looked out my window and saw the full Blue Moon framed between the branches of my pine tree. I then sang aloud a favorite song I remembers from childhood. Since everyone probably knows this song, and probably has a full moon remembrance in their life, this was my choice to paint. “ I see the Moon, the Moon sees me, the Moon sees the one that I want to see. God bless the Moon and God bless me and God bless the one that I want to see.”
The Artist, Making the World Beautiful One Piece at a Time The title says it all.
Standing Tall Why a Sandhill Crane? Well, I thought I should paint a majestic bird and I thought Lakelanders might throw up if they saw another painting of a swan. So please don't stick your finger down your throat for this one.
Untitled
End Gun Violence Together
Fish Head In response to the recent outbreak of red tide on the gulf coast, I took a look at the bigger picture of conservation, and painted a big fish.
“Family” When given the freedom to express my thoughts as an artist, I am motivated to say as much as can be said in a simple image, I created this piece for the Tapestries project inspired by the message of Family, because it is the foundation on which achievement begins, we must re-focus on the foundation to move forward as a community.
The Telling of the Bees Emerson’s piece is inspired by the nostalgia of an old custom dictating beekeepers tell their hives of major life events, or risk honey production. The relationship between bees and humans has changed from one based on love and ritual, to one centered around production and exploitation.
Hear No Evil Inspired by the Japanese proverb, “The Three Wise Monkeys”, this painting takes on a modern cultural twist by replacing the hands over the Chimpanzee’s ears with Beats headphones. I wanted to push the personification aspect by choosing a contemplative facial expression, creating a more specific identity for the Chimpanzee that resonates with today’s society.
Chivalry The role of intellectual community in Europe and protecting women and children during warfare
Enigma I am inspired by abstraction, my south american background, and life in general. This painting was inspired by my life events & ways in which women protect their spirit, perceive life, & deal with events & situations, good and/or bad.
Untitled There are four important elements to this painting, the liberty duck, the dollar bill, the neon wire and the ionic column supporting it all. It is a question for society about what we value, what matters to us and where we place our priorities.
Patterns of Thought The mandala in this piece represents repetitive thought patterns, but in this case, the bright colors and her peaceful expression make them happy and creative. Tiffany blue is the favorite color of the model, Mercede Colon, so I used it as the element tying the thoughts together as they move through the color spectrum.