The City of Tampa is saying hello to its latest public art piece.
A huge mural titled, “If I Could Fly” now lines three walls at the Wayne C. Papy Athletic Center in Seminole Heights. The center at 6925 N. Florida Ave. has offered dance + gymnastics opportunities to local youth for 40+ years.
Florida-based artist Naomi Haverland created the dream-like piece with inspiration from two young gymnasts. At the unveiling, Haverland expressed her wish for the mural to invoke a sense of imagination.
Mayor Jane Castor called the mural “a reflection of more than four decades of dedicated service to our youth and the impact it will continue to have for generations to come.”
Haverland’s piece is now one of almost 800 public artworks across the Big Guava. The city is flush with murals , and if you want to check them out, we recommend this virtual tour .