This week, Mayor Jane Castor and City of Tampa staff came together to celebrate the completion of a new Tampa mural at the Gwen Miller Community Center. It was created by an award-winning local artist and activist, Nneka Jones. The mural, titled “History Starts Here,” features depictions of athletes and bright geometric patterns. It’s meant to inspire and engage patrons of the park.
History Starts Here
Jones developed the sports-related design concept as a daily reminder to all who visit and play at the park that positive results in the future begin with acts of commitment in the present. Her work, which is international acclaimed, focuses on inspirational messages and social issues. She is known for her embroidery and mixed media paintings. In 2020, her artwork was featured on the cover of Time Magazine.
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“The mural is really for the youth to be able to see themselves and their future and create history,” Jones said.
Jones is a University of Tampa graduate. While attending the university, she won the Emerging Artist Award at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. Her work in the community center will inspire young athletes on the courts. And any young Tampa resident who reads the words painted on the community center mural.
The walls of the community center now feature a basketball court, as well as a walking trail and softball field, with the phrases “work hard, play harder” and “leave your mark” prominently displayed.
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“History Starts Here” is the most recent installment of Art on the Block. To learn more about the Art on the Block program, click here.