We're happy to announce an exciting new project supporting arts and culture in our community. Work recently began on a "Welcome to Springfield" mural at 1101 N. Main Street (aka Main Space) which will serve as a bold visual key to visitors and be an iconic symbol of Springfield's support for the arts.

The mural is being installed by Grant Thornton, a Georgia-based artist, and was commissioned by SPAR with funds generated through its annual Jacksonville PorchFest. PorchFest is a free event showcasing local and regional musicians, visual artists and the beautiful architecture of Historic Springfield. The third annual Jacksonville PorchFest is Saturday, November 5th, 2016.

"I'm honored to work alongside SPAR and my long-time friend Grant Thornton, the artist. I visualized a 'Welcome' mural for some time now, being that the building is part of the gateway into our community. To see it come to life, as a huge beacon to our neighborhood's culture, well, there is just no other feeling like this. It will be exciting to see it pop up on google when you search 'Springfield, Jacksonville' for decades to come!"- Alyssa Key, owner of 1101 N. Main Street aka Main Space.

"PorchFest was founded in 2014 to attract visitors to our community and support local artists. It has succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. Our generous sponsors - including Community First Credit Union, UF Health and the Ritz Theatre - allow us to pay dozens of musicians who perform free concerts for thousands of Jacksonville residents and guests who travel here from all over the country. Hundreds of Springfield residents support this event, through financial contributions, as event volunteers, and by welcoming artists and audiences to their homes for front porch performances. We are grateful to Alyssa Key for offering her building as the perfect canvas for the "Welcome to Springfield" mural that will greet our visitors every day of the year." - Chrstina Parrish-Stone, SPAR Council Executive Director.

The Main Space building is now under renovation. For more information about the mural project or Jacksonville Porchfest, contact SPAR at (904) 353-7727 or [email protected]