Check out 'Pineapple Paradise,' Delray's replacement mural for 'Dancing Pineapples'
DELRAY BEACH — For more than a decade, visitors at Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove have been greeted by pineapples on the side of East Atlantic Avenue’s Chloe Building.
They still will be, just not by the same pineapples.
A new “Pineapple Paradise” will take over what was previously known as the hub’s “Dancing Pineapples” mural.
Here’s what to know:
Painted over a coral backdrop, Anita Lovitt’s collection of sideways pineapples became a staple of Pineapple Grove since its installation in 2008. It was Lovitt’s first mural. But last year, the wall on which it was painted needed to be reconstructed because of water damage. It needed window replacements, too.
Where did the 'Dancing Pineapples' go?
Two longtime Delray Beach residents decided to collaborate to revive and honor the mural. Today, passersby won’t be met by Lovitt’s pineapples. Instead, they’ll see a different artist’s rendition of them — Grabster’s “Pineapple Paradise.”
The new mural is 30% larger than the 'Dancing Pineapples'
The new “Pineapple Paradise” concept, designed by South Florida graffiti artist Marcus “Grabster” Borges, is a colorful mural featuring sliced pineapples over a pastel mix of seagulls, palm trees and sailing boats. It’s meant to reflect Delray’s subtropical feel.
The mural is 30% larger than the original “Dancing Pineapples.” It will wrap around the back of the Chloe Building, creating a seamless transition as people walk past it.
Who is the mural artist?
Born in Brazil and raised in New York, Grabster has established himself in South Florida’s street art scene throughout the last 15 years. He is a muralist, graffiti artist and abstract artist.
His art, reognizable by its tropical colors and abstract geometry, can be found across South Florida and the world alike. In 2020, he was a featured artist at Salvator Dalí’s “The Real Surreal” exhibit in Miami Beach.
How did the mural happen?
Galera Collective Mural Curators’ Glayson Leroy collaborated with the Chloe Building’s owner, Lee Cohen, to bring this vision to life. Both are longtime residents of Delray Beach involved in the city’s arts and culture scene.
"The opportunity to collaborate with exceptional developers like Lee Cohen on this esteemed project for my hometown is a profound honor,” LeRoy said. “He’s recognizing the dedication and hard work I've invested into Delray Beach's public art scene.”
What’s next for public art?
The private mural development team received unanimous approval for the project from the Delray Beach Public Art Board on March 27, per a news release. This week marks the first part of the mural being up.
It can be found at 135 E. Atlantic Ave.
Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on Twitter at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: A new mural will replace Delray Beach's 'Dancing Pineapples'
