Smith & Associates Real Estate Commissions Local Artist, Derek Donnelly for the Beach Drive’s First Mural

Work is underway for Downtown St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive first mural.  The burgeoning art scene is one of the things that locals and tourists alike enjoy about downtown St. Petersburg. And since the success of the Shine Festival, outdoor murals have represented a big part of the artistic character and culture of the urban core and beyond. Smith & Associates Real Estate, a longtime supporter of the arts in the Bay area with numerous recognitions for their "extraordinary contributions" has commissioned local artist, Derek Donnelly, to complete an ambitious outdoor mural to adorn their Beach Drive office in downtown St. Petersburg.
 
The mural will transform the Southeast alley wall into a fun, colorful and surreal environment showcasing the unique culture and history of St. Pete. The imagery will be a classic “postcard-esque” design with modern flair, highlighting timeless cultural elements of beloved St. Pete. Donnelley's artwork will be the first outdoor mural to adorn Beach Drive.
 
Artist Derek Donnelly says having this painting displayed on Beach Drive will serve as an excellent introduction to tourists of the flourishing mural scene in St. Pete and the artistic support of the community, “As one of the many creative professionals in this city, I am humbled and ecstatic to be doing this project. The immense inspiration and support from the people of our area are what keeps me going and gives these projects purpose.”
 
For Bob Glaser, President and CEO, of Smith & Associates Real Estate, having a mural along Beach Drive seemed like a natural way of bringing more art to the community. “Much like street artists have strived to bring art to the masses, the outdoor murals throughout St. Petersburg are a way to bring art to the people. With outdoor art, you don’t have to pay a gallery entrance fee to see something beautiful. I felt that the busy corridor of Beach Drive was an excellent opportunity to bring art to our local population and the tourists traveling here. We think St. Petersburg is a special place to live and Derek’s design reflected the love we have for this community,” says Glaser.
 
In 2016, Glaser was honored as an IMPACT Award recipient by Tampa Bay Businesses for  Culture & the Arts, along with internationally renowned artist Janet Echelman, philanthropist Mark Mahaffey, and Kent Lydecker, the former Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida. Smith & Associates Real Estate participates in over 50 organizations throughout Tampa Bay. Throughout his career, Glaser serve on numerous fundraising and nonprofit boards such as Chair of the Morean Arts Center/Chihuly Collection, the boards of the Tampa Theatre, Florida Aquarium, Palladium Theatre and several other organizations. Donnelley’s mural is expected to be completed in three weeks with a time-lapse video available upon completion.
 
About Derek Donnelly
Derek Donnelly is a St. Petersburg native artist specializing in large scale murals, portraiture, and iconic marine life. His imagery often celebrates the nature and history of his sunny, hometown paradise. Donnelly has been a full time working artist since 2010 and has worked with many different businesses, schools and organizations throughout the Tampa Bay Area including AARP, Achieva Credit Union, Kahwa Coffee, St. Petersburg College, Museum of History, and American Strategic Insurance. He is the founder of Public Art Project, a 501(c)3 organization specializing in beautification projects, arts education, and advocacy.  In 2016, Donnelly opened COVE (Creative Opportunities and Visual Ent.), a studio gallery space constructed of shipping containers where he showcases the diverse visual talent from the local area. Derek continues to do murals full-time, working seamlessly with other creative professionals and local governments towards a bigger and brighter St. Petersburg.

For further information please contact Bob Glaser at  Smith & Associates Real Estate on rglaser@smithandassociates.com or (813) 310-1675