A new outdoor art gallery is transforming Downtown Jacksonville, offering residents and visitors a vibrant new destination and a lasting celebration of local creativity.
More than 800 people gathered July 11–12 for Duuuval Walls, a first-of-its-kind mural jam that turned 600 feet of wall at the historic Union Terminal Warehouse
into a permanent public art collection, according to a news release from Downtown Vision.The project showcases original works by 25 artists, most of whom have deep ties to Duval County. The murals stretch along the future Emerald Trail tunnel, creating what organizers call a “walkable destination” that’s free and open to the public.
More than just paint on a wall
“Duuuval Walls was never just about paint on a wall. It was about placemaking. We wanted
to show what's possible when a city invests in its own artists by giving them the hospitality, resources and creative freedom to do their best work," said Kady Yellow, curator of Duuuval Walls and Vice President of Downtown Vision, Inc. "What's happening in Downtown Jacksonville right now is something special, and these 600 feet of wall stand as proof.”
The event was produced by Downtown Vision’s PlacemakingJax program, presented by VyStar Credit Union, with additional support from Union Terminal Warehouse, Columbia Ventures, Social Room Jax, the Emerald Trail and Out East partners. The curatorial team included representatives from Elevated Media, Jax Wall Project and Black Mural Map.
While mural jams happen in cities worldwide, organizers say Duuuval Walls stood out for its focus on artist experience and local talent. Artists were given complete creative freedom, with no prescribed themes or design restrictions. The festival received 89 applications for 25 mural spaces.
A full-circle moment for local artists
Elena Ohlander, a visual artist and member of the curatorial team, said painting at Union Terminal Warehouse was a “full-circle moment.”
“I made art in this building back when it was raw studio space, long before the restoration,” Ohlander said. “This place helped shape so many Jacksonville artists, and now it gets to continue telling that story.”
Kandice Clark of Black Mural Map and The Petite Jax added, “I spent so many hours in this space before it was developed, so helping transform it into a permanent public art collection means everything to me. Duuuval Walls proved that Jacksonville's artists can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone.”
A lasting investment in public art
The murals are now open to the public along the east side of Union Terminal Warehouse, 700 E. Union St. Organizers say the collection is valued at more than six figures and is expected to become a new cultural landmark for Downtown Jacksonville.
“What was once a pass-through corridor is now a vibrant public gallery filled with the creativity and stories of local artists,” said Kemal Gasper, Vice President of Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union. “We are proud to support Duuuval Walls because it showcases the incredible talent that exists in Jacksonville while creating a place where residents and visitors can experience our city in a new way.”
Ryan Akin, partner at Columbia Ventures, said the project reflects the building’s legacy as a hub for creativity and community.
“The 600-foot-long wall of this tunnel was all but begging to be painted by muralists,” Akin said. “Duuuval Walls is the culmination of that shared vision and has created a lasting cultural experience for residents, business owners and visitors alike.”
This story was created by Gary Mills, gmills@jacksonville.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Duuuval Walls opens 600-foot public mural gallery in Jacksonville
