City News Blog: Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Mural Unveiling - Meet The Artist and Short Film Debut

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LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2025) | The Lakeland CRA invites the public to a mural unveiling event on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. The mural, sponsored by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, highlights Florida's rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation. The Florida Wildlife Corridor spans nearly 18 million acres of interconnected wilderness and working lands, essential for the survival of 131 imperiled animal species. Beyond protecting wildlife, conserving these lands enhances recreational opportunities, strengthens resilience against extreme weather, and safeguards water quality.

Valerie Vaught, Lakeland CRA Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the mural, stating, "This new mural beautifully captures the essence of Florida’s rich wildlife, showcasing the breathtaking species that call our state home. It serves as a reminder that as we promote urban development and revitalization, we must also preserve the natural spaces that make our community unique. By balancing smart growth with environmental stewardship, Lakeland is creating a vibrant, sustainable future that honors both our urban progress and natural beauty."

The Lakeland CRA launched the Art Infusion Grant Program to revitalize building facades and promote artistic expression through murals. This initiative encourages commercial property owners to enhance their spaces with murals, fostering local creativity, generating jobs, and contributing to urban revitalization. The program underscores the transformative power of art in stimulating local economies and enriching public spaces.

Human development has fragmented many natural habitats, creating barriers such as residential areas, industrial parks, and roadways. Wildlife corridors serve as crucial connectors between these habitats, allowing animals to navigate their environments without encountering obstacles. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is dedicated to permanently connecting, protecting, and restoring these vital landscapes. Murals like this one celebrate the unique nature of Corridor Gateway Communities, bringing people together, beautifying public spaces, and fostering a deeper appreciation for Florida’s wild landscapes.

"Lakeland was selected for this mural campaign because Polk County is an important area within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, facing significant growth and development," said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. "As the cultural hub of Polk County, Lakeland plays a pivotal role in creating a sense of place and elevating the importance of protecting their corner of the Corridor. This mural not only celebrates the Corridor’s wildlife but also symbolizes the connection between conservation and the people who call this area home."

Titled "Echoes of Resilience," the mural celebrates the enduring strength and interconnectedness of Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. Central to the composition are a Florida panther, a great horned owl, an American alligator, a roseate spoonbill, a small group of pied-billed grebes, a river otter, a monarch butterfly, a Southern Live Oak, and a bald cypress, all set against vibrant patterns inspired by the state’s diverse flora and fauna. The artwork symbolizes survival, growth, and resilience, paying homage to the region’s cultural and natural heritage while inspiring conservation efforts for future generations.

The muralist, Samara Ash, is a contemporary artist and educator based in South Florida with over 25 years of experience in the fine arts. Her large-scale murals can be found in public spaces across Miami Shores, Fort Pierce, Wynwood, and now Lakeland. Describing her vision for the piece, she said, "In creating 'Echoes of Resilience,' I wanted to capture the living heartbeat of Florida—its strength, its beauty, and the powerful connections between its diverse ecosystems. Each element of the mural, from the stealth of the Florida panther to the graceful flight of the roseate spoonbill, reflects our shared commitment to preserving the natural heritage that sustains us. I see this work as both a tribute and a call to action—a reminder that through resilience and unity, we can honor our past, protect our present, and inspire a future where every creature and landscape thrives."

Following the mural unveiling ceremony, guests will be invited inside the RP Funding Center to meet the artist during a panel discussion sponsored by the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation will also screen the short film "The Wild Divide," which follows three friends traversing Florida’s imperiled backbone by horseback, foot, and paddleboard. The Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient stretch of sand dunes, is a biodiversity hotspot found nowhere else in the world. It is also home to a long-standing agricultural tradition, both of which are threatened by rapid development.  The short film explores the delicate balance between conservation and growth, underscoring the urgency of protecting Florida’s wild interior.

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