While walking through Mizner Park, I discovered this colorful new mural. The Ode to Boca mural is located on the stage doors of the Mizner Park Amphitheater and was created by local artist Brian Butler in honor of Boca Raton's centennial. Butler is a South Florida based artist known for his energetic, story driven illustrations and public works.
The mural reflects the stories, people, and experiences that have shaped Boca Raton over the past 100 years. Inspired by poems and personal reflections submitted through the City's Ode to Boca initiative, the artwork depicts the the signature architecture, the Intracoastal Waterway, beaches, local wildlife, and snapshots of life from both past and present. Images include a pineapple, Addison Mizner's famous companion monkey Johnnie Brown, a sunbather, sea turtle, and a ship gliding beneath the bridge,
The project was unveiled during a community celebration featuring remarks from city officials, a meet-and-greet with the artist, Poems on Demand by O, Miami, and displays of verses submitted by members of the community.
I really enjoyed discovering this mural and it was fun to really look at and see how many images I recognized. I especially loved the inclusion of Johnnie Brown and the FAU mascot, a burrowing owl. This is such a wonderful tribute to the people and places that make Boca Raton unique. read more