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Jacksonville Beach CRA approves mural by Lauren Close for Pure parking-lot dumpster enclosure
Summary
The CRA unanimously approved an art committee recommendation to award a mural titled in the packet as “find some 5” by artist Lauren Close for the Pure parking-lot dumpster enclosure, with conditions about color/vibrancy and some discussion of maintenance and signage.
The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously on March 24 to award a mural for the Pure parking-lot dumpster enclosure to artist Lauren Close for a concept the agenda packet labeled “find some 5.”
Taylor, CRA staff, told the agency the art committee reviewed 28 proposals from about 18 artists, narrowed the field to a few finalists and unanimously recommended Close’s concept. “The committee unanimously recommends this Close,” Taylor said during the presentation.
Staff described the piece as a large, photo-op style work; the artist’s design incorporates an approximately 8-foot “jaw” opening intended as a place for visitors to stand and take photographs. The art committee asked the artist to make the jaws more vibrant so they stand out from the background; Taylor said Close agreed she could make that adjustment.
Board members discussed durability and maintenance: the mural will be painted on three exterior walls (north, south and west-facing walls) and the artist and staff said they will avoid detailed graphics on a pressure-treated man-operated door because that wood will weather faster than cinderblock. Taylor said the interior of the enclosure and the east-facing wall that receives truck impact will not be painted to avoid rapid damage.
Board member Megan Edwards suggested matching background color on the pressure-treated door and touching the returns where walls meet the gate so the composition reads well; Taylor said the artist visited the site and will return a recommendation on door treatment.
Several members asked that the mural or nearby signage clearly identify the location as Jacksonville Beach for photo uses; a board member suggested adding a small sign or ground-level element in front of the mural if the artist does not include the city name in the design.
The motion to award the mural passed on a roll call with all five board members voting yes. Staff indicated the artist aims to complete the mural in time for the Beaches Parade if the city council approves the enclosure work at its April meeting.
