Mural At Belcher And Alderman Roads Gets Mixed Reviews

PALM HARBOR, FL — A mural being painted on a concrete barrier along a Palm Harbor road is getting mixed reviews.

As part of its initiative launched last year, Creative Pinellas sought artists to design and paint murals along three locations in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs: East Lake Road south of Keystone Road, Belcher Road north of Alderman Road, and Belcher Road south of Alderman Road.

The initiative is intended to transform ordinary public spaces into community landmarks by turning bare walls into art canvases.

In February, Creative Pinellas put out a call for artists interested in creating the murals in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, and international multimedia artist Carlos Culbertson answered the call.

Culbertson's large-scale works can be seen in communities across the country. Creative Pinellas said the artists are chosen "through a rigorous open call process by a panel of curators, artists and arts leaders from throughout the county." The panel chose Culbertson based on his works featuring vibrant colors and messages that uplift viewers.

However, the effect Culbertson intended hasn't been felt universally.

"While some think this is cool, I think it looks like graffiti," Peggy Pickering posted in the Palm Harbor Patch Neighbors comments. "I'm not a fan of this at all."

"I agree. This mural is not pleasing to the eye," said Elaine Schindler.

Helen Hildebrand said she thought the mural looked like graffiti rather than art.

"If the above artwork is what’s going up at Belcher and Alderman, this does not depict Palm Harbor," Hildebrand said. "Either leave the walls white or paint a mural of sea life or shore birds."

She said residents of the area should be given a say in the artwork chosen in their neighborhoods.

"This is the first we’ve heard of this," Hildebrand said. "Pinellas should have notified us about this with a big sign at the intersection."

Other residents applauded the artwork.

"This program of making blank walls more colorful and aesthetically pleasing has been a huge success in other Florida cities," said Ev Rathe. "A majority of people love it. You can't please everyone, of course. Personally I love it and enjoy the creativity of the artists."

Creative Pinellas is funded in part by the Pinellas County Commission, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater and the state's Division of Cultural Affairs.