Niceville unveils new bold, story-telling mural [PHOTOS]

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The City of Niceville has unveiled its bold new story-telling mural.

Dozens of people joined city officials and other dignitaries at the unveiling event on Monday morning. The mural is on the north side of John Sims Parkway at the intersection of Evans Street, just across Evans St. from the entrance of Turkey Creek Park.

The eye-catching mural design is a graphic representation of Niceville’s history. Anchored by the name “Niceville” in bold yellow lettering, the design is surrounded by a water background with illustrations from left to right depicting a historical timeline.

Starting with the 1868 establishment of mail service to Boggy Bayou, a graphic story unfolds, telling a tale of community and growth through the years.

The mural, which is on a wall made just for it, measures 8 feet tall by 40 feet wide.

The artwork was designed by Niceville artist Janae Erickson. Niceville city workers built the wall, and Accent Signs of Niceville digitally printed and installed the mural.

Erickson’s design was among several submitted by local artists. It was selected as the winning design by a mural selection committee that included Amanda Grandy, Melissa Love, Linda Mabrey, Sharon McKenzie, and Marion Taylor, Grandy said.

It received final approval from the Niceville City Council.

The mural is the result of a grassroots-led mural and beautification project aimed at embracing the local arts in Niceville. The wall and mural are meant to 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 the committee.

Erickson has lived in Niceville since her father retired from the Air Force in 1997. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2010 and brought her talents home to Niceville, where she works as the Art Director for Frances Roy Agency.