David ‘Lebo’ LeBatard Inaugurates Downtown Hollywood Mural Project
Saturday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Hollywood Mural Project
Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street
between 21st Avenue and Young Circle
Hollywood, FL
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Downtown Hollywood will unveil acclaimed local artist David “Lebo” Le Batard’s new jazz-inspired mural to launch the district’s new curated outdoor mural program. Aptly dubbed the “Downtown Hollywood Mural Project,” the initiative is slated to kick-off at the district’s monthly ArtWalk where celebrated cartoon artist David “Lebo” Le Batard will unveil Be-Bop Into Outer Space. His inaugural, multi-dimensional mural spans 124 feet – the first of several pieces by established, local contemporary artists designed for at least 10 properties. Inspired by geometric abstraction, color harmony and 1950s jazz, Lebo’s contribution to the emerging cityscape will add a visual arts component to Mayor Peter Bober’s rapidly growing music initiative.

Be-Bop Into Outer Space will enliven part of the historic Great Southern Building Complex (southwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Young Circle). The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project will be centralized in the Live Music District, running along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street between 21st Avenue and Young Circle.

“Lebo is the perfect artist for this opportunity,” said Jorge Camejo, Executive Director of the Hollywood CRA, the program’s sponsor. “He grew up and went to high school in Hollywood, and has tremendous pride in his community. We couldn’t be happier about having a local product succeed on the international stage, while finding time and inspiration to create a piece that is fitting in subject matter and that enhances its surroundings.”

The Hollywood CRA’s mural program is designed to boost and encourage the Downtown Hollywood Live Music Initiative, launched earlier this year with the debut of the free year-round concert series ArtsPark Live!, and with new regulations that allow venues in delineated zones to obtain an extended-hours liquor license. Under the helm of CRA Executive Director Camejo, Commissioner Beam Furr and project manager Jill C. Weisberg lead a new mural-review committee that works with developers, property owners and artists to commission and execute artwork on outdoor surfaces. Lebo’s Jazz Renaissance-influenced piece is a nod to the revival of Downtown Hollywood as a fresh hub for arts and entertainment. Prominent contemporary and street artists in queue for walls include Jessy Nite, Ruben Ubeira and Michelle Weinberg.

In addition to the unveiling of Lebo’s mural, additional activities slated for Downtown Hollywood’s Third Saturday ArtWalk include:

– Muzart (1946 Harrison Street; www.muzartstudios.com)
Local artists transform the recently opened space into a fully-integrated creative studio, with artwork for sale, appetizers and beverages. Featured artist is Loni Duek – writer, photographer and certified Reiki Practitioner – who will engage visitors in an informal practice of Reiki and art. For more information about Duek, please visit www.loniduek.com.

– Goddess Store & Studio (2017 Harrison Street; www.goddessstore.com)
Experience a culturally-rich journey exploring performance and visual arts.
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – African drum class with Zeva from Venus Rising
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Interactive parent and child imagination art class with Ohmtheartist
9:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Belly dance class

Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Upcoming dates include August 18, September 15 and October 20, 2012, replete with live music, exceptional dining and opening exhibitions at more than 12 participating establishments. There is no charge for on-street parking between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and free parking is available in three-hour increments between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; garage parking is also available at $1/hour at 20th Avenue Municipal Garage (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street) or 19th Avenue Municipal Garage (between Tyler Street & Polk Street).