The mural, painted on an old warehouse that manufacturers iron and steel building infrastructure, is a tribute to Ybor City and its history, past and present. Local artist Michael Parker taught a class at Hillsborough Community College that centered on the process of public art. It was in that class that he used the mural as an example. His students took part in workshops with community members and open design sessions to help guide them to what the content of the imagery should be. As a class, they formulated a design through sketches, drawings and photographs. Once the design was approved the production process started, which included erecting the scaffolding, donated by Safway, followed by sanding and priming the exterior of the warehouse. After that, production began with the first brush strokes on the 12,000-square-foot surface area.
Supported by community volunteers and art students from Hillsborough Community College Ybor Campus, Parker has made his vision a reality with a design that incorporates three integrating themes and six individual messages relevant to the Ybor National Historic Landmark District.
The Adamo Drive Mural is the largest outdoor original artwork in all of the state of Florida and is located in Ybor City between 17th and 19th streets.
Come find out who and what has shaped Ybor over the years.
Join Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa community leaders this Tuesday, May 21, to celebrate the newly finished Adamo Drive Mural. The dedication is taking place at 2 p.m. which will include a preliminary session with the artist, Michael Parker, and a reception afterward.
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