Three colorful new murals light up Splash resort on PCB
Guests at the Splash Beach Resort on Panama City Beach now have some major new art works to enjoy.
Local artist David Hansel recently finished three murals at the resort, 17739 Front Beach Road. One depicts the entrance to Pier Park, and a second is designed so that children can stand next to a painted dolphin and pose with it.
The third is 20 feet high and 40 feet wide and depicts sea life. "That's the biggest one I've ever done," Hansel said.
The three-mural project took him six weeks to complete. The works are indoors, so he didn't have to worry about the weather. The big mural required scaffolding, which attracted attention as people walked by while he was working.
"They were incredibly kind" with comments and compliments, Hansel said.
When asked about the challenges he faced, Hansel mentioned "getting the perspective right." He used high-end artist acrylic paint that is fast drying, and eventually applied a water-based poly top coat.
On his website, Hansel describes himself as a self-taught artist who is inspired by the beach. He has completed many local works, including a sea life mural at Butler Elementary School in Santa Rosa County.
His work "includes canvas art, reclaimed-wood beach art, Christmas ornaments, tie-dye, driftwood art, murals, and furniture," the website says. "He has painted guitars, surfboards and many unique 'canvases.' David also teaches art classes in various mediums including acrylics and tie-dye."
Hansel was pleased to complete these murals on the Beach and would love to paint some additional ones. The work at Splash is just one example of what he can do, and he hopes other Beach residents and businesses reach out to him to discuss future opportunities.
Jody Trusty and Tracy Czurak helped bring Hansel to Splash, which features condo rentals for people seeking a beach vacation. Splash is especially popular with families.
The women are condo owners and thought it would be nice to feature some artwork in the lobby area. They searched online, found Hansel, and knew he would be the perfect artist for the job.
They presented the idea to Splash's board of directors, which decided to approve.
"I think it (the artwork) gets people even more excited about their vacation," Trusty said.
From what she understands, kids are loving the murals and examining them closely to identify all the sea life.
That's perfect, Trusty said. She wants those visiting kids to know that "they've basically entered a whole new world."
jross@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Panama City Beach arts: Three new murals grace Splash report
