Business for the Arts Broward proudly unveils a large and colorful mural at the riverwalk garage, marking a significant addition to Fort Lauderdale’s public art scene

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale has just received a new burst of color and creativity thanks to the unveiling of a striking mural at the Riverwalk Parking Garage. Commissioned by Business for the Arts Broward (BFA), the 20-foot by 70-foot mural, created by Florida-based artists Jessica and Christian Stanley of C. Stanley Creative, is now proudly displayed on the south-facing wall of the garage at 150 SE 2nd Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The mural, with its vivid use of color, is more than just a beautiful addition to the urban landscape—it’s a testament to the power of art in transforming public spaces. Drawing on C. Stanley Creative’s unique artistic philosophy, the mural blends elements of nature with surrealism, creating a visual experience that’s both striking and thought-provoking. Christian Stanley, one half of the artistic duo, explained the concept behind the piece, noting that their work seeks to inspire communities by fusing natural elements with imaginative surrealist designs. This, he believes, can bring a sense of vitality and rejuvenation to public spaces.

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“We are so proud to have this mural as part of our public art initiative,” said Jarett Levan, Board Chair of BFA. “Artwork not only beautifies our community but also showcases the power of art to inspire and connect people. We are grateful to the artists and our generous sponsors for making this mural possible, and we are excited to gift the city of Fort Lauderdale this vibrant piece of art.”

The Stanley duo, who met in 2017, quickly formed C. Stanley Creative after participating in a community art initiative where they painted a small electrical box. Since then, Christian has gone on to create dozens of murals annually, some of which span thousands of square feet. His artistic journey has taken him not only across the United States but also overseas to participate in international street art festivals. His murals have become a signature of both his and his wife’s unique style, which incorporates bold colors and elements from the natural world, blending them with dreamlike and abstract forms.

The mural at the Riverwalk Garage is part of BFA’s broader public art program, which seeks to bring art into the everyday lives of residents and visitors alike. The program aims to curate both interior and exterior murals and sculptures that will continue to enhance the cultural landscape of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Funding for the mural came from several generous sponsors, including the BFA Art Walls, the Dara and Jarett Levan Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Broward, the BBX Capital Fund for the Arts, the Susie and Alan B. Levan Family Foundation, The Frank Family, Robyn Vegas and Juan Prieto, and the City of Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to beautifying the area, the mural is a symbol of the growing recognition of the connection between art, community, and economic development. Arts are known to improve the identity of neighborhoods, attract new visitors, and foster a deeper sense of unity and connection within communities. The mural will be a central part of this effort, serving as a powerful visual marker of Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to supporting and promoting the arts.

“There is a real power in public art to change the identity of a place,” said Robyn Vegas, who works with BFA on its various art programs. “This mural is an example of how art can shape the perception of a city and make it a more inviting and creative place. It’s an honor to support this program and to see these murals take shape in our community.”

The mural program, which is modeled after other successful initiatives like Wynwood Walls in Miami and the Mural Arts Philadelphia program, will continue to bring public art to the forefront of Broward County’s cultural landscape. BFA’s Public Art Committee plans to install more murals in the future, reinforcing the role of art in strengthening the connection between local businesses, artists, and the community.

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Businesses and organizations in Broward County that are interested in having a mural painted are encouraged to reach out and learn more about the program. The initiative not only supports local artists but also promotes community engagement and a deeper connection among residents of all backgrounds.
For more information about BFA and its programs, or to inquire about how to become involved, contact Robyn Vegas at 954-940-4933 or [email protected]. As the Riverwalk mural continues to brighten the streets of Fort Lauderdale, it stands as a reminder of the important role that public art plays in revitalizing communities and creating a shared sense of pride and inspiration.