A single Hernando public art project combines, encompasses, and celebrates two fine arts: reading and visual arts. The Library Murals project, a project of Brooksville Main Street and Hernando County Public Library, will give artists the opportunity to paint an original art piece on one of two locations at the Hernando County Public Library in downtown Brooksville. “The mural program is designed to enhance the city by adding works of art to the Main Street District, bringing art, character, and interest to otherwise uninteresting surfaces,” read the project notice.
And when it comes to the walls of the Brooksville library, the term “literary art” takes on a whole new meaning. “Successful proposals will foster literacy as the main theme inspired by this art piece. Plans for completion (are) in the fall after hurricane season,” read the Library Murals application notice.
The mural location will be 238 Howell Avenue, Brooksville. The two murals will include a 6’ x 8’ literary theme concept; and a 3’ x 4’ selfie mural in front of a leather bound book that says “Between the Pages: where discovery and adventures begin” and “The Life and Times of”, so a person will be able to stand below the words and pose for photos.
“When the library decided to renovate their outside area, we wanted to help them by putting some funds into the project,” said Natalie Kahler, Brooksville Main Street Executive Director. Main Street leaders see the library as one component of the citywide canvas that is Brooksville. “The library is part of Main Street,” said Kahler. Cindy Loftis-Culp, Library Services Director of the Hernando County Public Library System, sees the murals as part of a sprawling planned design renovation that provides a peaceful ‘read and retreat’ place at the library. “Libraries don’t stop at the front doors, reading gardens and outdoor spaces are beautiful and inspiring. For our local community, we wanted to have an outdoor space to allow the public to sit in a natural setting to have a feeling of solace, inspiration, rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. We hope that the mural in the outdoor area will inspire a creative place for patrons to be reminded of our community and how the library is seen as the community hub. We also want to give local artists a place to highlight their work and for the library to continue being a part of the ever-growing downtown Brooksville community,” said Cindy.
To be considered, the applicant must send photographs of three original paintings by the artist, complete application form found on the Main Street website at https://www.historicdowntownbrooksville.com/mural-projects, and send a typed statement briefly explaining the artist’s design (one page maximum). Artists may submit more than one design proposal. A statement for each design must be submitted, along with a detailed sketch of their design. The artwork can be new or existing original artwork.
“Do not bind application materials or put them in a notebook or binder,” read project guidelines. “Artists are required to paint the artwork submitted and selected by Brooksville Main Street.” The artist will be requested to submit an honorarium of $10 per square foot that they plan to cover with their mural. The application deadline is open, though entries are pouring in; the mural completion is set to take place Fall 2021. “Natalie has received 5 submissions so far and is expecting a few more,” said Cindy Loftis-Culp. “She will schedule the close of the application cycle for July 9th , compile the submissions and send them to the library. At that time, we will make the final decision and communicate that back to Natalie and the council.”
The art selected is sure to bring even more light and color to the Main Street area. “Even someone who has never been to an art gallery might grow to like art if they see it in public–like if they’re walking into the library and see it on the wall,” said Kahler. “This is about bringing art to the people.”
