37 years later, an artist returns to Vero Beach Power Squadron |
Upon entering the Vero Beach Power Squadron (VBPS) building, glance to your right to see a large mural in bright colors depicting the water, coral, birds and other scenes of the Vero Beach waterfront. Fourty-four years ago (1980), Jean Clark painted this mural, and donated it to the VBPS. In March 2017 she came back to refresh the oil painting, again donating her time and materials. “It was so amazing that you kept it for so long”, she commented when asked about the painting. The colors had faded and rather than refresh the painting she redid the entire mural. Jean was born in Chicago, lived in St Louis and then moved to Florida. She has been in Vero Beach for many, many years. After attending McMurray and Indian River College, she started an interior design business doing private and commercial jobs. A client, Betty and Clark Blair, told her about VBPS and how they would love to see a mural in the building. “It’s like breathing, I have to create,” is how she explained her love of painting and designing. At 89 she is still painting and currently working on a mural for a homeless shelter. Her other love is traveling, she says she loves Morocco, Hawaii, Italy, Greece and Turkey the most but anywhere is fun to travel. Tamara Smith S, Commander (2017) of the VBPS said, “I’m thrilled that Jean came in to redo the painting. It gives a fresh new look to our building. We can’t thank her enough.” A special unveiling was held during the Squadron’s St. Patrick’s Day Party. |
For an unobstructed view of this special mural go here |