Punta Gorda Murals...CATTLE DRIVE DOWN MARION AVENUE

The Punta Gorda Historical Mural Society (PGHMS) was organized in 1994.  "It started with Dr. Robert Andrew's dream to feature historic and educational murals around the City of Punta Gorda."  The first mural was started in January, 1995 and dedicated in October, 1995.  By the time Hurricane Charley hit Punta Gorda in 2004, 20 murals had been completed around the town.  "On Friday, August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley roared ashore...with winds in excess of 160 mph, destroying...half of the 20 murals..."   The PGHMS is in the process of re-painting the lost murals.

This mural - Cattle Drive Down Marion Avenue - is painted on one of the buildings that we pass during our walk.  It was dedicated on June 21, 2007.

This is the side of the building from across the street.

A little closer.

And a close-up.

"...the mural pays respect to five well known Florida Cow Hunters.  Their head shapes have been fittingly placed in the clouds."  If you look closely, you can see three of the five heads.

It's fun to travel around town and see these murals; it makes Punta Gorda kind of special and it's just one of the reasons we enjoy it here.

They continue to work to replace all of the murals that were lost during the hurricane. This one is just beginning and we will keep you updated on the progress.  Yesterday it was nothing more than a blue wall and today the artist was painting clouds.  (1.16.11  Today we were able to identify this mural as "Hotel Charlotte Harbor.  It is one of two that will be painted on adjacent walls.)

(quotes from "Punta Gorda Murals, 2010-2011 Edition)

Thanks for stopping by..;
;o)