"Where Time Meets Community" by Andrew Viera
The Southside Village “Where Time Meets Community” mural is a new public art project slated for installation later this summer or early fall. Located on the historic Southside Sundries building at 1905 S. Osprey Ave., the project highlights the cultural identity, history, and ongoing evolution of the Hillview and Osprey Avenue corridor. Today, the building hosts local businesses, but historically it served many roles within the neighborhood, including its long tenure as Southside Sundries beginning in 1947. The project was developed with input from residents, nearby businesses, and the Southside Village Association, and supports Sarasota’s Public Art Plan goals to enhance public art experiences, foster community connection, and strengthen creative placemaking.
"Where Time Meets Community" is designed as a visual timeline that blends historical moments, symbolic elements, and shared community memory. The mural, measuring approximately 46 by 13 feet, honors the legacy of Southside Sundries, which historically functioned as a drug store, soda counter, postal service point, and neighborhood gathering place. It also recognizes the many other types of businesses that occupied the building throughout its long commercial history.
The narrative begins in the post World War II era and includes symbolic maritime elements such as the USS Missouri and universal sailor figures symbolizing resilience and hope. A sailor painting at an easel represents Sarasota’s mid century artistic boom, a period when the city rapidly grew into a recognized arts community.
As the viewer moves through the mural, timeless community scenes emerge, including childhood moments at an ice cream counter and families walking through present day Southside Village. Transitional elements such as swirling movement, an owl in flight representing wisdom, and Florida’s longwing zebra butterfly illustrate the passage of time and the evolution of community identity. Botanical elements inspired by Sarasota’s subtropical setting, including wisteria, hibiscus, and clematis, anchor the contemporary portion of the mural. The artwork transitions from black and white to sepia and then full color to reflect Sarasota’s growth across generations.
About the Artist
Andrew Viera is a Sarasota based muralist known for his detailed, narrative public artworks and strong community engagement. His body of work includes several large scale murals for the Mote Marine Science Education Aquarium facility, recognized for symbolic storytelling and craftsmanship.
For this project, the property owner selected Viera after seeing his work at Mote. He collaborated with neighborhood businesses, residents, and local history groups to gather stories and insights that helped shape the mural’s content. His practice emphasizes local history, symbolic storytelling, and a strong sense of community identity, qualities reflected throughout Where Time Meets Community.