The UNITED Mural Project @5663
A Celebration of Diversity, Creativity, and Community in Pinellas Park, Florida
Diversity is the heartbeat of strong communities. Painter John Gascot and photographer Laurie Meehan-Elmer, co-owners of Studios @ 5663, saw that the once-vibrant mural on their building had begun to fade. Rather than let the color disappear, they envisioned a way to revive both the wall and the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
In a time when inclusive public art is vanishing across Florida and beyond, they set out to create something powerful, a mural that brings people together when unity is needed most. That vision became The UNITED Mural Project.
John gathered a dream team of celebrated local artists, The Artist Jones, Miss Crit, James Hartzell, Alyssa Marie, Zulu Painter, and himself, to collaborate on a large-scale work that celebrates cultural difference and shared strength.
Each artist will interpret what UNITED means to them, transforming a single letter in U-N-I-T-E-D into a personal artistic statement. Together, these letters will form a vibrant visual anthem of inclusivity, resilience, and cultural pride.
“In a moment when inclusive public art is disappearing across Florida and beyond, the UNITED Mural Project reminds us what’s possible when many voices paint one story.”
When complete, the mural will stand as a landmark — a destination for all who believe in equality, creativity, and community. It will honor the power of collaboration and remind us that we are strongest when we stand and paint together.
EVENTS
UNITED MuralFest@5663 — January 31, 2025
11 AM – 4 PM | Studios@5663 | 5663 Park Blvd N., Pinellas Park, FL
Be Part of Something UNITED MuralFest@5663 in Pinellas Park
The wall becomes a canvas for connection as Studios@5663 hosts MuralFest@5663, a one-day community mural festival launching the UNITED Mural Project. Artists, neighbors, and visitors will gather for a hands-on celebration of creativity—painting the mural’s background, contributing to collaborative community canvases, exploring a local art & maker market, and enjoying live music, open studios, and Memphis-style BBQ.
Organized by John Gascot and Urban Dog Studio in partnership with Diversity Arts Inc. (501c3), the event raises funds for artist stipends, materials, and free community arts programming throughout the year.
Free and open to all
1st Saturday Art pARTy & Ribbon Cutting — February 7, 2025
5 PM – 9 PM | Studios@5663 | 5663 Park Blvd N., Pinellas Park, FL
One week later, the celebration continues at the 1st Saturday Art pARTy @ 5663, featuring the official ribbon cutting and dedication of the completed UNITED mural. The evening will include the unveiling of the mural, live music, refreshments, and the debut of the UNITED Art Exhibit, showcasing works by the mural artists and the collaborative community canvases created during MuralFest.
This special night marks the culmination of weeks of creativity, collaboration, and community pride—a chance to witness what can happen when many voices paint one story.
Why It Matters
“In a moment when inclusive public art is disappearing across Florida and beyond, the UNITED Mural Project reminds us what’s possible when many voices paint one story.”
Every brushstroke, every contribution, and every celebration builds something larger than a wall. Together, we are creating a lasting symbol of unity, hope, and belonging, right here in the heart of Pinellas Park.
