OVIEDO, Fla. – Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Oviedo is known for its charming neighborhoods and growing community.
But city leaders hope one day it will also be recognized for a thriving public arts scene.
In fact, a public arts board was established in 2017 to promote art in public spaces. The board consists of local volunteers who propose and research ideas to bring art projects and events to the city.
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Kathleen Crane is a board member. She says the initiative has led to the creation of murals, which were among the first public art pieces in Oviedo.
Crane explained that the board held a call for artists, resulting in a “Postcard” mural at Center Lake Park. The design features images that reflect the town and it has become a focal point in the community.
The top five contest entries were even transformed into real postcards available for sale at City Hall.
Local artist and educator Xavier Moss won that competition.
Moss’s artistic style is characterized by bright, fluorescent colors that draw inspiration from both nature and scripture. He believes that art should evoke emotion and provoke thought. “I want my art to brighten someone’s day, to make them feel something,” he says. “Colors have a powerful impact on our emotions, and I love experimenting with them.”
Moss has another mural at Round Lake Park. That one depicts African American history in the area. He has several others at the city aquatic center.
Moss is an Oviedo resident and Haggerty High School graduate. He’s been a part of the community since his family moved here in 2004. After pursuing a degree in biological illustration, Moss found a way to merge his love for art with his passion for education. He teaches at the Artistic Hand Gallery and the Orlando Museum of Art, where he inspires students of all ages to explore their creativity.
“I believe everyone is inherently an artist,” Moss says. “Art is a way to express ourselves, and I want to encourage others to embrace their creativity, regardless of their skill level.”
Recently, the board successfully hosted an outdoor performance by Opera Orlando at the local amphitheater.
Crane shared, “It was really great to see that in our town and to see the community come out and enjoy it, especially a lot of kids were there as well.”
Crane emphasized the board’s commitment to improving the community through art. “I think everybody on the board really cares about the arts. They care about the community, and we all have different backgrounds,” she said.
The board’s collaborative spirit has allowed them to move forward with various projects, including the upcoming “Wings of Joy” installation, which will feature large butterfly wings designed for interaction.
The board’s history dates back to a previous group that laid the groundwork for current projects.
Crane noted, “One of the first things that this current board did was look at all of the work that they had done to prepare a proposal for the city.” This proposal received approval, allowing the board to continue the momentum.
In addition to murals, the board is working on several other public art installations.
One project at Twin Lake Golf Club aims to honor Joe Lee, a notable golf course designer from Oviedo.
Crane mentioned, “We are doing a painting of him and his work, but there’s also going to be a plaque to recognize his origins here.”
The board is also exploring ways to showcase local artists through rotating displays at City Hall, enhancing the atmosphere during city council meetings.
Crane expressed excitement about the potential for these displays to engage the community, stating, “Community members can come in and see it at any time.”
As the city approaches its 100th anniversary, the Public Arts Board is eager to unveil new projects that celebrate Oviedo’s history and culture.
Crane shared her vision for the future: “We want to be able to get those out to the most people and have as many people as possible be aware of it and be able to participate in it.”
The board is also focused on fostering private funding for public art initiatives. Crane explained that developers can contribute to public art as part of their project proposals, and the board is working to establish more consistent guidelines for these contributions.
Looking ahead, Crane hopes to see a variety of projects that not only beautify the city but also engage the community.
“Success is a variety of projects that bring something or more of something to the city that we don’t have already,” she said.
As Oviedo continues to grow, so does its artistic community. Moss is optimistic about the future of public art in the city.
“There’s so much potential for more murals, sculptures, and community projects,” he says. “Art has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging.”
