Punta Gorda Adopts Aluminum Panel Murals to Combat Environmental Damage
Punta Gorda, Florida, known as 'Mural Town,' is transitioning from painting murals directly on buildings to installing them on removable aluminum panels with mural cloth. This change is a direct response to the frequent damage caused by environmental factors, including hurricanes, sandy soil, and the natural settling and cracking of older buildings. The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society has lost numerous murals over its 31-year history due to these issues, with nine lost to wall problems like stucco failure and water intrusion, and another eleven when buildings were torn down after hurricanes or redevelopment. Muralist Keith Goodson now attaches mural cloth to aluminum panels using a gel that creates a protective, tile-like veneer, making the art more resilient. This method also allows for the murals to be removed in anticipation of major storms, although recent experiences have shown the panels often fare better than the buildings themselves, even when submerged.
