JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Don’t blink. You might miss the fresh new artwork downtown.
And it's not just any old artwork. They're pieces done by artists not just here in the River City, but around the world. It's part of the Art (Re)public movement.
However, one of those paintings is now gone.
“I liked it. I thought it was something that was attractive that enhanced the building,” said Peter Moore, who works downtown. “I like it. I don't see any reason you should paint over it.”
Greek artist Ino flew in to leave his mark on the Regions Bank building on East Forsyth Street. His mural was called "Capital Control", but now, it's been painted over.
But that's exactly what Regions Bank decided to do. Action News Jax's Erica Bennett went inside to get some answers and was directed to the bank's corporate office. Their response?
“It was a beautiful piece of art – just not on the right building. To be clear, Regions' support of the arts community in Jacksonville remains strong and will continue."
"It's a form of expression, just like being able to say what you want to say,” said Shaina Boe, who works downtown.
The rest of the 12 murals downtown are safe for now. Artists and those who frequent downtown hope it stays that way.
“Everybody comes here to work and then they leave, so I think having more ways we can stay and enjoy downtown, is something we need here,” Boe said.
The Art (Re)public murals can be found at:
• 245 Water St. (Enterprise Parking Garage) by artist James Reka, Australia
• 233 E. Forsyth St. by artist INO, Athens, Greece
• 317 W. Forsyth St. by artist Waone Interesni Kazki, Ukraine
• 1 W. Bay St. by artist CYRCLE, Los Angeles
• 1 W. Bay St. by artist CYRCLE, Los Angeles
• 51 W. Bay St. by artist, René Romero Schuler, Chicago
• 102 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. by artist Astrograff, Paris
• 220 Riverside Ave. (Unity Plaza Shipping Container) by artist Jeremy Penn, New York
• 325 W. Forsyth St. by artist Kenor, Spain
• 100 E. Adams St. by artist Nico Holderbaum, Jacksonville
• 140 Monroe St. by artist Phlegm, UK
• 25 W. Forsyth St. by artist Case Maclaim, Germany