Introduction to St. Petersburg’s Street Art Scene
Calling all tourists, art lovers & locals… this art mural guide will cover mural history, tours, notable murals, artists, and how to explore St. Petersburg, FL murals. St Pete has emerged as a vibrant hub for street art, capturing the attention of tourists and locals alike. This artistic revolution has not only defined the city’s aesthetic but has also become a focal point for TV commercials, travel brochures, tour groups, and Instagram posts, with St. Pete murals gaining widespread recognition. With over 600 large-scale murals adorning the downtown area, the city’s mural scene has transformed from an underground movement into a celebrated art form.
The Evolution of Street Art
The journey of St. Petersburg’s street art began in the early 2010s, culminating in the launch of the SHINE Petersburg Mural Festival in 2015. This annual event marked a pivotal moment for the city, as it attracted local, regional, and international artists who collectively transformed blank walls into captivating pieces of art. The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance plays a crucial role in promoting the festival, coordinating mural tours, and supporting ongoing mural projects, ensuring the city’s artistic future remains bright.
Events and Festivals
SHINE Mural Festival: A Highlight of St. Petersburg’s Street Art Scene
The SHINE Mural Festival is not just any art event; it’s one of the first festivals in the world to feature an accessible audio tour and innovative technology like PixelStix, which instantly connect mural viewers to online content. Features such as mural addresses and map links are included for visitors to enhance their experience while exploring the mural collection. This festival revitalizes public spaces, encourages community dialogue, and unites residents through art. With a commitment to artistic excellence, the festival has contributed over 200 murals to the city, and this year alone, SHINE brought 19 new murals to walls across St. Petersburg. The city is now approaching close to 800 murals in total. An unexpected Florida theme bled through much of the work at this year’s SHINE Mural Festival, featuring pelicans, panthers, oranges, and tropical flowers. The festival showcases more than 600 murals throughout the city, creating a lasting impact on St. Petersburg’s landscape.
Mural Tours and Guides
SHINE Murals in St. Pete, FL
Each year, the SHINE Mural Festival brings together a diverse group of local, national, and international artists to create stunning public art pieces across St. Petersburg. The festival aims not only to beautify the city but also to inspire conversations and foster community engagement. The festival offers a unique experience by blending art with guided tours, creating an immersive journey through the city’s murals.
Self-Guided Mural Tours
For those eager to explore, a self-guided mural tour offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in St. Petersburg’s artistic landscape. Visitors can discover over 30 murals within a compact four-block stretch, learning about the artists and the stories behind their works. This hands-on approach invites everyone to experience the city’s vibrant murals firsthand.
Exploring St. Petersburg’s Murals
Central Arts District
One of the best ways to explore the murals is by wandering through the Central Arts District. Many murals in this district draw inspiration from the natural world, depicting flora and fauna in vibrant colors. This area is easily accessible on foot, by bike, or by scooter, allowing visitors to enjoy a diverse collection of street art. Don’t forget to download the Pixelstix app, which provides additional insights by allowing users to tap their phones on “smart plaques” found on many murals. While exploring, take time to stop by local studios, cafes, and boutiques that contribute to the area’s creative ambiance.
Other Districts
St. Petersburg’s murals are not confined to one area. Beyond the Central Arts District, you can find stunning works scattered throughout the city and into Clearwater. Each district showcases unique styles and themes, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.
Notable Artists Behind the Murals
The Central Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, stands as a vibrant canvas where creativity flourishes on every corner. This district is renowned for its dynamic street art, thanks to the vision and talent of local, national, and international artists who have transformed the city’s walls into a world-class outdoor gallery.
Among the standout local artists is Derek Donnelly, whose playful and imaginative murals—like the T-Rex fishing and a raptor on a jet ski—have become iconic sights in downtown St. Pete. Donnelly’s work captures the city’s quirky spirit and has helped define the character of the Central Arts District. Another celebrated contributor is Shark Toof, a Los Angeles-based graffiti artist whose bold shark imagery symbolizes strength and optimism, making his murals instantly recognizable to anyone exploring the streets of St. Petersburg.
Ricky Watts, known for his mesmerizing “Space Rainbows” mural, brings a burst of color and energy to the city’s public spaces. His abstract, flowing designs are a favorite among visitors and locals alike, adding to the district’s reputation as a hotspot for innovative street art. Local artist Amy Ilic Volpe has also left her mark, creating murals that reflect the vibrant life and culture of St. Petersburg, and participating in the annual SHINE Mural Festival.
The Petersburg Arts Alliance has played a pivotal role in nurturing this creative community, supporting local artists and promoting public art throughout the city. Through the SHINE Mural Festival, the alliance brings together artists from around the world each October, resulting in a fresh wave of murals that energize the city’s public spaces and alleys. The festival’s impact is visible in the ever-evolving landscape of downtown St. Pete, where new works by national and international artists appear each year.
Florida CraftArt, a beloved local gallery, serves as a hub for artists and art lovers, offering a space to showcase new work and connect with the creative community. For those eager to dive deeper into the city’s street art scene, guided mural tours—by foot or bike—are available every Saturday morning. These tours cover over 30 murals within a compact area, giving visitors the chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories, meet the artists, and discover their personal favorites.
Whether you’re wandering the streets, joining a mural tour, or visiting local galleries, St. Petersburg, Florida, offers endless opportunities to explore, learn, and be inspired by the city’s thriving public art scene. With the support of the Petersburg Arts Alliance, the energy of the SHINE Mural Festival, and the creativity of artists like Derek Donnelly, Shark Toof, Ricky Watts, and Amy Ilic Volpe, St. Pete has truly become a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about street art.
Must-See Murals
11 Amazing Murals
- 515 22nd Street South Mural: Created by Havana-based artist Michel Mirabal, this mural symbolizes the complex relationship between the US and Cuba, showcasing themes of hope and peace.
- 2130 Central Avenue Mural: Titled “Hypnotic Waves”, this abstract design is the creation of Miami-based artist Douglas Hoekzema, also known as Hoxxoh. His freehand style mesmerizes viewers with its intricate patterns.
- 1720 Central Avenue Mural: Painted by Chilean-born artist Dasic Fernandez, this piece features his signature “inverse drip” style, where bold colors take the shape of female forms that drip upward, evoking a sense of transformation.
- 687 Central Avenue Mural: A collaboration between artists Leon Bedore and Chris Parks, this mural incorporates a unique blend of imagery—roses, hawks, snakes, and a woman’s face—rendered in striking shades of orange, black, and turquoise.
- 1246 Central Avenue Mural: Created by Miami-based artist Evoca1, this poignant piece symbolizes the emotional turmoil experienced during the artist’s parents’ bitter divorce, reflecting themes of anguish and neglect.
- Emily Ding Mural: Inspired by the natural world, Emily Ding’s mural features a faun and flowers, bringing a sense of wonder and nature to St. Petersburg’s mural scene.
- Ricky Watts’ ‘Space Rainbows’ Mural: Known for its vibrant, swirling colors, this mural has been a popular attraction in St. Petersburg since 2015.
- Chad Mize Mural: This mural showcases elements like pineapples and palm trees, reflecting the local culture and tropical vibe of St. Petersburg.
- Shark Toof Mural: Featuring bold shark imagery, this mural conveys themes of strength and optimism, making it a standout piece in the city.
- Jeffrey Sincich and Josh Stover Mural: This mural pays tribute to St. Petersburg’s nickname, the Sunshine City, celebrating the city’s bright and welcoming spirit.
- Bill ‘Woo’ Correira Tribute Mural: Created by various artists in the community, this mural honors the late St. Pete muralist Bill ‘Woo’ Correira and his lasting impact on the local art scene.
Recap of St. Petersburg’s Street Art
The city’s rich artistic landscape is certainly featured in the local variety of amazing wall murals! St. Petersburg’s street art scene is a vibrant testament to the city’s artistic spirit, boasting over 600 large-scale murals that invite exploration and engagement. The SHINE Mural Festival has been instrumental in shaping this artistic landscape, consistently attracting a diverse array of talented artists and transforming blank walls into extraordinary works of art.
Whether you choose to embark on a self-guided tour, join a guided mural walk, or explore via the Star Trolley, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the rich artistic culture that defines St. Petersburg. Don’t miss out on experiencing the dynamic murals that continue to make this city a canvas for creativity and community expression.
