The city has long been known for its historic heritage, buildings and brick streets.
Now, three artists are giving their hometown some fresh paint, a colorful look and adding some interesting imagery to the city's old buildings.
The trio includes brothers James and Blake Emory, both considered "natural" artists without formal visual arts training. The third partner, David Rothman, has a fine arts degree from the University of Tampa. They recently completed their latest mural at West Reynolds and Evers streets downtown.
The Emorys had painted two Plant City murals, including one at AAA Gold & Jewelry at 609 S. Collins St. when Ed Haynes, owner of Hannah's II Antiques and Collectibles at 115 W. Reynolds St. asked the artists if they might be interested in adding a mural to his building near the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
Their new creation is based on a Norman Rockwell painting. Haynes is thrilled.
"I just love this city and Norman Rockwell's art. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. It makes you feel good to live in a place where folks still say 'Hi.' Re-creating his famous 1943 Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, 'April Fools - The Game' seemed like a good fit with a country feeling.
"In hard economic times something like this mural puts a smile on everyone's face. The artists put their own stamp on the re-creation and added some new and different images. Nobody helped me with the costs, its kind-of my gift to the city.
"Isn't it beautiful? ... I just love it," Haynes said.
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