Wellen Park announces Downtown Wellen mural contest for local artists, in partnership with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

VENICE, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2022) – As Downtown Wellen nears completion, local artists have the unique opportunity to contribute their creative talents. Wellen Park and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County have announced the Downtown Wellen Mural Project: a competition for local and regional artists to create large scale murals in Downtown Wellen, the central hub and social gathering destination nearing completion in Wellen Park.

Wellen Park will feature three different mural sites throughout Downtown Wellen. The first mural will be prominently located along Wellen Park Boulevard, the main roadway into Downtown Wellen. The second and third murals will be located side-by-side on the building adjacent to Oak & Stone restaurant, and The Yard, Wellen Park’s food park and entertainment hub with retrofitted shipping containers, an open-air dining courtyard and a recreational area for all ages to enjoy.

Local artists are invited to submit general concept ideas that follow predetermined themes. Ideas for Mural One should represent Wellen Park’s brand pillar, “Hub of Heartfelt Connections,” and be reflective of nature, as well as interactive. Murals Two and Three should focus on Wellen Park’s other two brand pillars, “Home to Fun Loving Lifestyles” and “Channeling the Waterside Vibe.”

“We’re looking for local artists to submit their most engaging, joyful and whimsical ideas,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “These murals present a unique opportunity for the selected artists to showcase their creative vision to a wide range of residents and visitors and connect people of all ages, cultures and interests to each other and Wellen Park.”   

Interested artists can learn more about the project and apply online at sarasotaarts.org/downtown-wellen-mural-project. Interest forms submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, and must include proposed mural sketch ideas and concepts, as well as samples of previously completed murals. For more information, email [email protected].

“This is an exciting opportunity for our local artist community to leave their mark on Downtown Wellen, which is sure to become a must-visit destination in south Sarasota County,” said Samantha Wuerfel, communications director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. “We’re thrilled to partner with Wellen Park to create even more ways for our community to connect with art.”

Located off U.S. 41 just west of South River Road, the pedestrian-friendly downtown’s array of restaurants includes the waterfront Banyan House, Mirabella’s Italian Coastal Cuisine, Oak & Stone Craft Beer & Artisan Pizza, Villani & Co. Steak Seafood Raw Bar and Bright Ice Scoop Shop.

The Yard offers a playful outdoor environment with a dining area, games and activities, and ultra-casual food and beverage choices served counter style from retrofitted shipping containers. The Yard will feature gourmet ballpark favorites from Atlanta Braves-affiliated Pop Dawgs, Greek specialties at Agapi and New England-style seafood at Claw & Co.

Also coming to Downtown Wellen are Breakwater Home Fashions, Paint Nail Bar, Naples Soap Company, Dana Tyler Jewelry & Fashion, Capstan Financial Consulting Group, Agility Physical Therapy, Florida Lakes Vein Center, Florida Lakes Spa, and Dr. Jeffrey Seymour Smiles Orthodontics.

The 80-acre Grand Lake creates a scenic backdrop throughout Downtown Wellen and offers a floating dock and recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding with rentals available at Kind Vibes Outfitters. The outfitter will also rent bicycles and e-bikes for exploring the 2.8-mile walking, cycling and jogging trail circling the lake.

Emphasizing connections to nature and community, Downtown Wellen offers unique outdoor experiences in thoughtfully designed spaces – from intimate parks and an al fresco living room shaded by decades-old relocated live oak trees to larger locales like the Great Lawn for community festivals, markets, celebrations and events and the lakefront fountain and splashpad, complete with whirling waterjets. Solis Hall, an elegant rental venue, features an outdoor stage, a lakefront patio and an easy flow from inside spaces to neighboring alfresco destinations.

Consistently ranked among the U.S.’s top-selling communities annually by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLCO, Wellen Park offers a mix of single-family and multifamily residential, commercial and recreational options. The community currently has approximately 9,500 residents, and at full buildout will have more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes within its three distinct districts: West Villages, Downtown Wellen and Playmore.

Wellen Park’s expanding residential choices include single-family homes in picturesque neighborhoods, a bundled golf and country club community, paired villas, coach homes and condominiums, one- to three-bedroom apartments and rental homes, a rental apartment community for active adults 55 and older, and world-class independent, assisted living and memory care.

Wellen Park is close to top-ranked beaches and the area’s many attractions.

To learn more about living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla. The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact:

Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, [email protected]