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SHINE 9 Mural Festival – Artist Jones Paints PSTA Ticket Booth in Williams Park, St. Petersburg


Artist Jones in front of mural of John Donaldson.
Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones and mural of John Donaldson, St. Petersburg's first African American resident.

SHINE 9 mural festival kicked off in mid-October in St. Peteresburg, FL, imparting 14 new murals to the city. Artists from Canada, UK and beyond came together to create some truly beautiful works with a timeframe of one week for completion. Nestled in Williams Park, is the PSTA ticket booth painted by Artist Jones.


Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones standing in front of blue, pink and light blue background leaf wall.
Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones and side 2 of PSTA ticket booth mural.

The concept was to wrap the building in various African fabric patterns, using their bright colors and complex patterns to liven up the park and its surrounding areas. Each side of the building boasts a new mural design as the viewer walks around all four sides.


To draw on the Black history roots in St. Petersburg, a portrait of John Donaldson, St. Petersburg's first Black resident, is depicted on the park-side. Mr. Donaldson was a well-respected farmer within the community. In fact, he was so well respected, his family was able to integrate with his White counterparts in peace. Bringing attention to John Donaldson in the form of a mural not only re-introduces his story to newer generations, but allows his name to live on as one of the pioneers of St. Pete.



Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones and side 3 of PSTA ticket booth mural with red and yellow gingko leaf wall with black and white striped background.
Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones and side 3 of PSTA ticket booth mural.

To finish such a complex mural within a week can seem impossible for one person, but local artists Alex DiBrizzi, Quinn Cale, Carlos "Zulu Painter," ArtxTony and Vita Repina, helped to lay the foundation of many of the designs. Having a strong support system of talented artists carried the mural to completion before the festival deadline.


Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones and side 4 of PSTA ticket booth mural. African fabric patterned swatches over a black and white patterned background.
Credit: Mark Rapien. Artist Jones and side 4 of PSTA ticket booth mural.

If you would like to see the PSTA ticket office mural, you can find it at 350 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL. Please be sure to snap some photos of yourself against your favorite side and share with Artist Jones!


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