New mural to spotlight Venice circus history

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Published  February 10, 2025 6:25pm EST
FOX 13 News
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New circus mural in Venice

FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon reports on the efforts by some to help finish the wall after raising $35,000.

The Brief

    • Venice artist Sami Makela is honoring the city's rich circus history by painting a mural outside the Venice Municipal Mobile Home Park.
    • Incorporating spray paint into the mural, Makela has completed about 50 feet of what will become a 250-foot mural.
    • Makela says the mural will be there for a long time and that his biggest overall goal is to honor the people who helped build Venice.

VENICE, Fla. - Venice artist Sami Makela is honoring the city's rich circus history one paint stroke at a time. 

"There’s so much life, movement, and color in the circus world. All the clowns, movement, lights and happy subject matter," said Makela. 

The mural honoring Venice's circus history.

The backstory:

Off of U.S. 41 in Venice, Makela has ben painting on the wall outside the Venice Municipal Mobile Home Park. 

"This is going to stay here a very long time. It’s not going to fade. (We are using) UV-protected materials," Makela said. 

Sami Makela in front of his mural off of U.S. 41 in Venice.

Using mixed techniques, Makela, along with Mark from Bulk Styles, work to incorporate spray paints and brush techniques into their painting. The mural will celebrate the rich history of the circus as part of Venice’s history.

"Even this is now just 50 feet, but we will eventually do the whole 250-foot (wall)," said Makela. 

Dig deeper:

The mural will also pay homage to Francis Smith, who painted the first circus mural on the wall.

Sami Makela working on the mural outside the Venice Municipal Mobile Home Park.

Time and age wore down the first mural and wall, requiring repairs and a refresh.

"She will always be remembered in the beginning. We will make it almost like a gold leaf frame, and we will take photos of her art and copy her work inside," said Makela. 

Remembering Venice’s past is vital for the Venice Area Beautification Inc.

"Tito Gaona has the flying trapeze school down the street, and there is Tito [on the wall]," said Lynn Field. 

Tito Gaona on the Venice mural.

Local perspective:

Lynn Field, VABI’s public art chair, said $35,000 has been raised for the mural.

Sami Makela painting his mural off of U.S. 41in Venice.

She hopes others will help finish the wall. 

"So far, we have raised over half of the money that would be required. We thought we would get started on a section," Field said. 

Field hopes the mural will become part of Venice’s history while beautifying the area and welcoming visitors from far and near.

"I think it’s important to remember the history, that they came to town for all those years, and the elephants would get off the train and cross over the bridge," said Field. "I think everybody wants to hold on to a little bit of history." 

To find out more about the mural and to help, click here.

The Source: FOX 13's Kim Kuizon collected the information in this story.

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