DreamLarge has announced the creation of a new mural in the Rosemary District, marking the commencement of the Gilbert Mural Initiative. The initiative is a program designed to further the use of public art and highlight the evolving neighborhood on the walls of the community’s own historic buildings. As part of the program, more than eight sites have been dedicated to Rosemary Art and Design District (RADD) for future murals, each of which will be dedicated to illuminating the stories and figures from the district's not-so-distant past, such as Overtown, Sarasota’s first Black neighborhood.

At RADD's launch event last month, the initiative’s inaugural mural was painted live by local artist and RADD member Tim Jaeger. Commissioned by DreamLarge, the mural depicts the historic Ace Theater and a mystery man that was later identified by Vickie Oldham as Willie Rogers. To see the mural, visit the DreamLarge Yard at 600 Central Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.

As part of the Gilbert Mural Initiative, RADD is seeking muralists and funding opportunities. The public is invited to sponsor murals and provide spaces for future murals. A project fund has been set up at Gulf Coast Community Foundation for donors interested in contributing to the initiative; an open call to artists will be officially announced on June 15.