As Tampa continues to expand and become more diverse each day, one local art studio is uniting the city with visuals that speak a universal language. With projects in hot spots like Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Sparkman Wharf, Pep Rally Inc. has shown how public art can reflect a city’s personality and the people that live within its boundaries.
“Murals can celebrate the history of a neighborhood, make a compelling statement or turn a insignificant wall into a destination,” Josh Pearson, the co-founder of Pep Rally, says.
When creating murals, Pep Rally translates the unique character of Tampa into different visual components. For the Sparkman Wharf art, iconic elements of the city — tobacco leaves, brick streets and waterways — were painted in vibrant colors as a reflection of the energy and history of Tampa.
Pearson describes this work as a “love letter to Tampa.” As more businesses call the city home and more walls rise along the city’s streets, Pearson sees the growth of public art as inevitable.
“Public art is expanding because city leaders and private business are recognizing it as an asset,” he says. “We hope the artwork is a indication that the new future of Tampa is focused on the people.”
To get a firsthand look at Pep Rally’s current and upcoming projects, check out their Tumblr.
