The streets of Tampa are coming alive with color this week as the city’s first-ever Guava City Paint Jam brings together local artists who are transforming bare walls into vibrant works of art.
Named after Tampa’s longtime nickname “The Big Guava,” this grassroots street art festival represents a significant milestone for the city’s growing public art scene. Unlike previous mural festivals in the Tampa Bay area, such as St. Petersburg’s established Shine Mural Festival or the Tampa Walls initiative, Guava City Paint Jam focuses specifically on showcasing the talent and diversity of Tampa’s homegrown artists.
“If you’ve ever wondered what a grassroots street art paint jam is, now’s the time to find out,” notes Creative Loafing Tampa Bay in a recent post about the event. The festival embraces Tampa’s cultural identity while offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to witness art creation in real time.
Several local art luminaries including members of the Illsol collective are participating, alongside emerging artists eager to make their mark on the city. The artists are working simultaneously across multiple locations, primarily in areas where public art has been historically underrepresented.
Tampa’s mural landscape has grown substantially in recent years, with the city having cataloged over 150 murals across various neighborhoods. Robin Hill of Tampa Arts Alliance has previously commented on the importance of these public artworks, noting how they help showcase “the creativity of our county… and share that narrative about how incredibly vibrant Tampa is.”
The festival organizers secured permissions for all mural locations following the City of Tampa’s established mural process, which requires property owner approval and special considerations for historic districts. Each artist has been paired with a wall that complements their unique style and vision.
Tony Krol, who has previously organized Tampa Walls events, explained that these concentrated painting sessions, or “paint jams,” showcase “the efficiency and talent of the muralists in this new contemporary world where they can bust out large paintings in a small amount of time.”
At various locations throughout the city, spectators can watch artists work from concept to completion, with most murals taking shape over the course of just a few days. Several community events are taking place alongside the painting, including artist talks and guided tours of the mural sites.
The Guava City Paint Jam represents Tampa’s growing investment in public art as both a cultural asset and economic driver. The festival not only beautifies neighborhoods but creates lasting landmarks that tell Tampa’s stories through visual expression.
For those interested in exploring the city’s expanding mural collection, the Visit Tampa Bay website offers a guide to many existing murals, with information expected to be updated to include the new Guava City Paint Jam creations once they’re completed.