‘Greetings From Newberry’ Mural Unveiled Downtown

City’s first mural, blending local history with a splash of color

NEWBERRY –A once-blank wall along West Newberry Road has been transformed into a splash of color that Newberry city leaders hope will capture the spirit of the community and draw new attention to downtown.

Now completed, work began Aug. 4, 2025, on Newberry’s first downtown mural, the opening project of a mural program launched by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The design, created by artist Jesus Martinez, spells out “Newberry, Florida” in bold letters filled with images of local landmarks and themes.

The project reflects months of planning, community engagement and funding partnerships. The CRA Board directed staff to pursue a mural and apply for the Alachua County Art Tag Grant to help cover costs. That application was successful, bringing in a $2,000 matching grant supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Gainesville and sales of Florida’s “State of the Arts” license plate.

The mural design emerged after input from residents, social media feedback, and review by the CRA Board and the Historic Architectural Review Board. Suggestions included highlighting Newberry’s agricultural history and incorporating Veterans Memorial Park, which was dedicated in 2024. Martinez’s final design weaves these elements into the city’s name, turning the wall into both artwork and a statement of civic pride.

The mural can be seen on the western wall of a city-owned building at 25439 W. Newberry Road. To encourage visitors to stop and enjoy it, the CRA has also funded improvements around the site, including a sidewalk, landscaping and a bench.

The mural program is part of Newberry’s Downtown 5-Year Action Plan, which called for a “selfie wall” to promote the city through social media and boost foot traffic to local businesses. Public art projects like this are increasingly recognized as tools not only for beautification but also for economic development.

By creating a focal point for visitors, city officials believe the mural will strengthen downtown’s role as a gathering place and encourage people to linger at nearby shops and restaurants.

The mural is the first in what city leaders hope will be a series of public art initiatives. Along with other redevelopment programs — such as façade improvement grants, marketing support for businesses, and potential residential paint programs — the mural reflects Newberry’s broader effort to balance historic character with growth.

Public art has been shown in other communities to become informal landmarks and popular social media backdrops, providing free publicity for small cities while fostering civic identity. For Newberry, this mural marks an important step in that direction.

The completed mural has quickly become a focal point, drawing residents and visitors who pause to take photos and admire the bold “Newberry” letters filled with images of the city’s history and character. The artwork now serves as both a visual welcome to the community and a lasting reminder of how creativity and collaboration can transform public spaces into landmarks. From blank wall to bold landmark, the mural now tells Newberry’s story in color.

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