As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the lives of those in our community and beyond, healthcare workers are risking their lives daily to ensure our health and safety.

To commemorate those working tirelessly on the front lines, Sarasota Magazine has joined forces with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County to create a special piece of public art: a mural located in the heart of downtown Sarasota. The building at 1717 Second St. belongs to Raw Sugar Living, an organic personal care product company owned by Ronnie Shugar and Donda Mullis. Local artist Karen Chandler was commissioned to paint the mural, titled Sarasota Heroes, and began work on the piece on Tuesday, April 28.

Sarasota Heroes will feature pop-art images of nurses wearing masks and sunglasses, in line with Chandler's signature vibrant style.  The mural will also be featured on the cover of the next issue of Sarasota Magazine, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place once it is completed.

In this time of uncertainty, the mural serves as a reminder that our community is one of kindness, resilience and selflessness. We honor the healthcare workers, essential workers and small businesses sacrificing so much, and our hearts are with them. 

We once again thank our partners, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and Raw Sugar Living. And a special thanks to everyone who worked to make the mural a reality, including The Helming and Knies Family Foundation for its generous donation, and contributions from Elizabeth and Elliot Rose, Jenne Britell, Michael Knee­land, PPG Paints, The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, and Williams Parker.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

To commemorate those working tirelessly on the front lines, Sarasota Magazine has joined forces with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County to create a special piece of public art by artist Karen Chandler: a mural located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, titled "Sarasota Heroes." And here's your feel-good viewing of the day: As our mural of gratitude continues to progress, Chandler's friends surprised her with a parade on Second Street. #sarasotaheroes #muralofgratitude

A post shared by Sarasota Magazine (@sarasotamagazine) on May 3, 2020 at 11:54am PDT

Check back on this post for mural progress updates.