Every October in St. Pete, you can feel the creative juices flowing as artists gather from far and wide and right around the corner to contribute to the SHINE Mural Festival. This annual event is a colorful celebration of each artist’s personal style, story, and voice by allowing them full creative expression to transform these public spaces into their creative visions, reflecting our city’s vibrant spirit.
SHINE Year Nine
Back in action for its ninth year, SHINE 2023 is welcoming 14 new murals by astute talent from local, national, and international mural artists. These contributors highlight St. Pete’s commitment to world-class creative excellence and are a huge part of what gives our city its sought-after uniqueness. You’ll find boldly colorful and playful works from Nevada-based artist Hannah Eddy, as well as dynamic, thoughtful, abstract pieces by Canadian muralist Bryan Beyung, and visionary universal-consciousness art at the hands of St. Pete’s own Chris Dyer. With each mural being as unique as its creator, whether you are touched by powerful illustrations of the human condition or appreciate the bubbly brightness of cartoon-style characters, there is something to enjoy and find inspiration from.
Time to SHINE
SHINE has also proudly gained its first two-year title sponsor, REFLECTION This partnership started from a group of Pinellas County locals who have seen firsthand the growth and impact of the art community and will come to fruition with a three-story mural on the Mirror Lake luxury condo building to commemorate the festival’s 2024 10th-year anniversary.
“It’s a big deal to have this external support, as it’s aligned with keeping St. Pete local and creative in the midst of growth,” said Jenee Priebe, director of the SHINE Mural Festival.
“We’ve been able to do something really special with SHINE. The impact that the art community has had on this city has transformed St. Pete into a place where people want to live and has introduced a whole new culture to the area. With over ten nationally recognized museums, dozens of galleries, and a very active artistic presence, we’ve been able to curate a truly passionate community that has all but changed St. Pete’s identity.”
“As the festival has grown throughout the years, we are happy to say that we have been able to stick to the model that was initially created, and have protected our mission of illuminating the power of art in public spaces by revitalizing local areas, carving out representation and diversity, and sparking meaningful dialogue.”
Mark Your Calendars
The SHINE Mural Festival begins on Friday, Oct. 13, with a kickoff event at Overspray, and ends with a closing ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 21, at SPACE gallery, both in the Warehouse Arts District. This year, the festival overlaps with the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk, which will activate local galleries around downtown in honor of SHINE, highlighting muralism and past SHINE artists.
SHINE On
Check out the SHINE website for printable guidebooks and maps, details on this year’s artists, what to expect, portfolio submission forms for future SHINE festivals, and how to donate to support the local St. Pete art community. Be sure to be on the lookout for mural locations to be released in early October, stay up to date by following @shineonstpete on Facebook and Instagram, and enjoy your colorful adventure alongside some of the fine modern art talent!
