Janelle Irwin Taylor
St. Petersburg artist Ya La’Ford is creating a piece of public art that will be displayed on the 357 on 5th development in downtown, the world-renowned artist announced Tuesday.
“Cosmic Whispers” will be an 8-foot by 13-foot wall mural back-lit by blue LED lighting illuminating a laser cut chrome labyrinth.
The mural will be on display at Fourth Avenue South and Fifth Street.
La’Ford’s work is on display in locations worldwide including in St. Pete.
The latest commission is inspired by water and light elements that surround St. Pete. The mural will reflect on the ground displaying images that resemble waves. La’Ford said it symbolizes the “Us” of the city.
“My new original design connects and intertwines and empowers us all. Us creating a new face of St. Pete from the bottom up. Us contributing to the creation as it is your place, my place, and most important our place,” La’Ford said.
357 on 5th is a condo development consisting of new luxury residences. Located next to St. Pete’s Innovation District, the development will feature three penthouses and additional homes starting in the mid $500,000s.
Each residence will have expansive terraces and include luxury finishes including quartz countertops, LED lighting, and optional storage. Community amenities include a sixth-floor rooftop terrace, open-air views, bike racks, and private dog courtyard and washing station. The development aims to cater to the active urban lifestyle of downtown St. Pete.
The penthouses will occupy one-floor each so no unit shares a wall with another.
“357 on 5th has been a passion project for me,” said developer Julie Kessel. “I am excited for Ya La’Ford to bring her artistry and vision to 357 on 5th and infuse energy and creativity to our space and the neighborhood. ‘Cosmic Whispers’ will be an iconic presence evoking emotion and thought, reflection and celebration for many years to come.”
