Entries sought for Niceville Turkey Creek mural project

A large wall planned for construction this year near the main entrance of Turkey Creek Park will display a mural depicting Niceville’s past and present. The commissioned painting will be selected from entries submitted by locally connected artists. Entries now are being accepted. The grassroots-led mural and beautification project is aimed at embracing the local arts in Niceville.

NICEVILLE, Fla — A large wall planned for construction this year near the main entrance of Turkey Creek Park will display a mural depicting Niceville’s past and present. The commissioned painting will be selected from entries submitted by locally connected artists. Entries now are being accepted.

The grassroots-led mural and beautification project is aimed at embracing the local arts in Niceville. Also, the wall and mural will serve as a starting point for a future walking tour where pedestrians can walk safely and comfortably on sidewalks to reach Niceville’s most popular attractions, places, and facilities, according to Amanda Grandy, who is spearheading the effort.

“I love this little town, and so do many others. As citizens, most of us are very proud of it,” said Grandy. “The beautification project is meant to welcome people, show them how we feel about our community, and share what Niceville has to offer,” she said.

Grandy took her idea to the City Council, which gave it their blessing and support. A committee made up of residents and city officials will choose the winning design and oversee the construction of the wall and the mural.

The plan is to reproduce the chosen design either by painting it on the wall or as a graphic display created by a sign company, whichever best serves to showcase the winning artwork. The size will be 8 feet tall by 40 feet wide.

The wall project is expected to be completed before the end of May.

The mural committee has defined the scope of the project as artwork depicting Niceville, both past and present. The use of the word “Niceville” in the mural artwork is strongly encouraged. Artists may wish to visit the Niceville history website for historical data at boggyflorida.com/Niceville/.

Interested artists will find specifications and can submit artwork here.  The deadline for submitting mural artwork is March 1, 2020.

Those serving on the Mural Selection Committee represent a cross-section of our community and include both younger and older residents. In addition to Grandy, committee members are Melissa Love, Linda Mabrey, Sharon McKenzie, and Marion Taylor, Grandy said.

Have questions? Reach the committee via email at nicevillemural@gmail.com.

Besides constructing the wall and mural, future upgrades to the main entrance at Turkey Creek Park will reportedly include the installation of natural space, landscaping with lush trees and foliage, increased pedestrian accessibility, and a walking path.