The Sensational Art of the Hobe Sound Mural Tour

Hobe Sound is a small seaside town on the east coast of Florida. It has been getting more attention lately due to the popularity of a collection of hand-painted murals that have sprung up around town. There is a buzz in the village about these works of art showing up on the sides of blank, and boring walls and it’s becoming quite the sensation. Over 25 Hobe Sound murals scatter the area. After seeing a few, I started to realize that these murals were telling stories, and I love a good story. So I invite you to come along with us as we take the Hobe Sound Mural Tour in Martin County, Florida.

First – Get a Map

To begin with, you should pick up a Mural Tour Map at the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce. If closed, they have a basket near the door where you can pick up a map. The Chamber of Commerce and The Hobe Sound Beach Shop should have the most current map. Over the years, changes in the community have come with the loss of favorite murals that just have to go to make room for progress. I can’t imagine how that feels to spend so much time on something and see it lost. Good thing for photographs. You are free to take many, but be respectful about it, and for gracious sakes, watch for traffic!

A couple of Notes before we start:

If you start the tour and immediately have trouble finding numbers. It is because the mural is no longer present. I found that there are maps out that still have these available to see, so make sure you pick up the latest map.

I may not be photographing all of the sites due to constraints. (Those murals are #24 “Color My World” and #13 “Four Seasons”.

In addition to the layout of the art, there are fun ‘treasure-hunt’ hidden aspects painted within each mural. On the map is a Mural Tour Scavenger Hunt. I will include the scavenger hunt questions in parentheses under the photographs in this post. You are on your own for the answer. Some of the questions will require some research or the knowledge of a friendly merchant. Are you ready? Well then, let’s make some tracks! (Never tell an artist that because they visually will.)

“Hobe Sound Beach” at Island Beverage #1

Well, now, it seems appropriate to make our first stop the spot of the very first mural. The mural titled “Hobe Sound Beach” is on the east wall of Island Beverage. The Hobe Sound Mural Project began with this mural in 2009. Since then, over 25 unique murals have been completed in the Hobe Sound area. This mural is one of my favorites because it is so brilliant and just recently has been restored. I feel like I could take the walk right out to the water.

“Old Florida” at The Village Bike Shop #11

We are going to backtrack because there is one we missed. Just a block west on Bridge Road, across from the Chamber of Commerce, we will find an “Old Florida” landscape mural that depicts a natural Florida landscape setting with 11 different bird species. This is painted on the side of the Village Bike Shop. In addition to this calming mural, you can enhance your tour by renting a bike here at the shop. They have a large selection to choose from. The folks here will be glad to get you set up. One of the goals of the mural project is to provide enjoyment and an attraction for your visit to the Hobe Sound area.

“Ocean Jazz” at The Hobe Sound Beach Shop #3

From here, we will get back on track by heading east on Bridge Road to the Hobe Sound Beach Shop. Not only did this building have the “Hobe Sound Beach” mural on the other side but on this side, you will see “Ocean Jazz”. The theme of this image is an underwater seascape. If you are looking to take home a souvenir, look no further. This is the place to get your seashore-oriented items and customized Hobe Sound memorabilia. They have a 15-month calendar available with some fantastic images of the murals.

” Boardwalk to the Beach” at Hobe Sound Beach Shop #25

This building has three murals painted on it, including the latest one on the front. If you walk into either Island Beverage or The Hobe Sound Beach Shop, look down at your flip-flops as you enter the stores. Did you notice that you are not walking on real boards? “Boardwalk to the Beach” was quite the undertaking. As I was shopping in the store, the owner of the Beach Shop said that every day when she looked out the window, Nadia Utto was on her hands and knees meticulously painting all the details and making sure she had all the lines in the boardwalk looking like real weathered wood. I’m Amazed!

The Artist with the Vision – Nadia Utto

Working on the murals is a labor of love for sculpture, muralist, and artist Nadia Utto. It was her vision that started The Hobe Sound Mural Project. The mission of the project which she first began pursuing in 2007, was to “Create Community Culture” focusing on transforming Hobe Sound with unique murals on the main streets that go through town. Nadia and many other community artists have created an outdoor gallery of beautiful walls, honoring Hobe Sound’s history, present vitality, and future promise.

“Sunrise Spoonbills” #26 and “Hurricanes 2004” #4

If you gaze across the street, you will see two murals that sit next door to each other on Bridge Road. First, “Sunrise Spoonbills” which highlights a nesting pair of Roseate Spoonbills. This mural was painted in May of 2023 and celebrates the splendor of these birds and Hobe Sound’s natural environment.

Next door, is “Hurricanes 2004” which represents a satellite image of Hurricane Francis over the Atlantic Ocean. Francis was one of the storms that hit Martin County during the historical ‘summer of storms’ when named storms Charley, Francis, Ivan, and Jeanne all passed through Florida. The eyes of Hurricanes Francis on September 4th & Jeanne a few weeks later came right over the Hobe Sound area! HSBR Insurance serves the commercial and personal insurance needs of Florida. The Mural Project improves specific locations around town and helps to beautify surroundings.

“Homeport” #6 at Illustrated Properties

Some of the paintings are not specifically what you might consider a mural, but building enhancements. The paint on the “Home Port” is on the arches and focal points of this building and is a popular spot for the “gram” and other social media sites. This mural is located on the corner of Bridge Road & Dixie Highway. When folks ask for directions, they refer to certain murals as landmarks for describing where one might make a turn. After touring Hobe Sound, and you have fallen in love with this little village, you are going to want to check with the folks at Illustrated Properties for your new home. They have sold homes in Hobe Sound based on someone seeing a picture of a mural and its beachy illustrations.

“Pineapples Past & Present” at Posh Pineapple #21

As you continue on the access road, you will approach Mars Street, revealing the panels of “Pineapples Past & Present. This shows a cross-section view of the ocean, Jupiter Island, the Intercostal Waterway, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The mural celebrates the history of Pineapple farming that once dominated the area. The Posh Pineapple Boutique by Juno is your source of coastal home decor, hostess gifts, fashion, and more, so feel free to stop in and look around. Pineapple homesteads were scattered around the Hobe Sound area in the 1880s. Murals such as these are not only beautiful but also honor the history of this vibrant area. The Hobe Sound Mural Project has the specific goal of creating a sense of place through these outdoor galleries honoring Hobe Sound’s past, present, and future.

“J’s Paradise” at Jenkins Landscape

Mural #18 is “J’s Paradise” which is located at Jenkins Landscape. You will have to leave the access road and get back on Dixie Highway to continue South. The Jenkins family has provided landscape services in the area for over 56 years. This mural is another one of my favorites, as it combines the artist’s painting with natural landscaping. Highwayman artist Jimmy Stovall lent his vision and talents to this mural. Jimmy’s work reflects his continuing interest in preserving the vision of pristine Florida that he remembers growing up. This mural features a serene distant horizon and a radiant Poinciana tree.

The Highwaymen” painters, from the Ft. Pierce area, sold their Florida landscape paintings door-to-door and out of their vehicles along local roadways from the 1950s through the 80s. The Highwaymen finally achieved recognition in the 1990s, when critics began to praise the uniqueness of their folk art, fast oil painting style, and self-promotion techniques.

It becomes quite a challenge when artists are accustomed to painting smaller works of art and then have the challenge of painting on large buildings.

Live, Learn, Loggerhead

Get yourself back on Dixie Highway and head north to Bridge Road. Turn right at the light and stay on the road until it ends at the beach. You will travel on one of the most beautiful canopy roads in the county. Bridge Road is one of several of Martin County’s Canopy Roads. Makes you want to roll the windows down and turn the music up or just enjoy the serenity. You will cross the intercoastal waterway and continue under another section of banyan trees to the ocean. Here is where you will find “Live, Learn, Loggerhead. This piece is unique as it combines a sea turtle mural with a sculpture of an adult turtle nesting and baby sea turtles making the perilous journey to the sea. Take a look, and then hang out for a while at the beach and enjoy the surf.

“Stars & Stripes” at Amvets Post Fourteen #22

Head back east on Bridge Road to Dixie Highway. At the light turn right to the “Stars and Stripes” at the Amvets Post. This mural is painted on the south side of the Amvets Post Fourteen. It shows a flag waving in the breeze. The Bald Eagle, our nation’s bird has its head held high. Paintings like these require much prep work before they are attacked with a paintbrush. Walls have to be pressure washed, primed and basecoats are applied. At this point, the guest artists and community artists will create their showpieces.

From here, go ahead and continue north to see one of the local artists Dan Mackin’s paintings on the south side of the Pettway Grocery.

Turn around and head back to Bridge Road. When you get here take a right and follow Bridge Road to Federal Highway (U.S. 1).

“Pillars of the Community” Women’s Club at Marketplace Plaza #8

On the corner of Federal Highway and Bridge Road, you will park at Marketplace Plaza closest to Federal Highway. The Hobe Sound Woman’s Club is a group of women looking for an avenue to invest their time and resources for the good of the local community. The Club offers its members the opportunity to be successful volunteers within a supportive and fun-loving group of like-minded women. A Girl Scout group helped out with this one. This mural illustrates the six pillars of community service – The Arts, Conservation, Education, Home Life, Public Affairs, and International Affairs.

“Creating Yourself” #20

Next, go north on Federal Highway. We will cover the right side of the road first, and then come back and catch the other side. “Creating Yourself” colorfully highlights the importance of nurturing creative energy in a child’s life. The Hobe Sound Mural project is a mission to “enhance the Hobe Sound Community with a sense of place using an outdoor gallery of muraled walls”.

“Today’s Flavor is….” at Sweeties Ice Cream & More #12

By now, you must be ready for an ice cream break. Sweeties Ice Cream and More is a Hobe Sound local mom-and-pop ice cream parlor that serves Florida’s finest high premium, hand-dipped ice cream. It is home to an image of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor complete with stocked shelves and a happy child. Besides, it’s time for a short break.

“Blue Water Heaven at Blue Water Landscape #16

As we cross U.S. 1 to head back to Bridge Road, there are a couple of murals to see on the right side of the highway. “Blue Water Heaven is a dense tropical garden paradise surrounding a path to the ocean. The name of the mural bears the name of the business where it is located. Blue Water Landscape is a full-service provider of quality landscape services.

“Sea to Shining Sea” at Hobe Sound Deli #14

One of the goals of the Mural Project in Hobe Sound is to facilitate positive networking among all participants: Artists, building owners, and business residents. This is an option for lunch if you want to eat at one of the businesses that support these projects. Go ahead and grab a sandwich at the Hobe Sound Deli. “Sea to Shining Sea” #14 has the effect of an open French door looking out to the beach. It is just a couple of blocks down the highway.

“Season to Taste” at Taste Restaurant #27

Another casual lunch option available is at Taste Restaurant just South. Taste Restaurant is here in a new location that was vacated by the Catfish House. They started with normal colors on the South side of the building and as your eyes move across the building, the colors get spicier and brighter. The Nine clouds over the door welcome you to be on Cloud Nine when you eat here.

“It Takes a Village” at Banner Lake Park #7

Head back to Bridge Road and go west for a few blocks. Turn left at Lantana into Banner Lake. The mural at Banner Lake Park is designed like a jigsaw puzzle symbolizing the various parts of the community coming together. The building is painted on the front and the side facing the parking lot.

The Hobe Sound community has embraced the mural project and has welcomed other artists in the area to start installing murals on their own like Hobe Sound’s artist Dan Mackin who has a handful of existing murals in the area. They all look great but one of my favorites is “Lighthouse in Paradise” at Harry & the Natives. Which murals are your favorites and why? Scroll down to the comment section at the end of this post.

The mission of Mackin’s Murals and those of Hobe Sound Murals & Landmark Arts is to “Create Community Culture”. After looking at these masterpieces, I would say that they are accomplishing that goal.

So what is the future of the Hobe Sound Mural Project? More murals are scheduled for this year and many others are in the planning stage as the project continues. Plans include a “World Fountain & 9.11 Memorial” and as I was wrapping up the writing on this post, I saw a story about a new “Anamorphic Mural recently installed in Tampa. “Equality Diversity” by Leon Keer is done with Augmented Reality. I texted Nadia when I saw this. Her response was – “Super Cool. Now I have a greater challenge! ”

As Nadia and I wrapped up our visit, I heard her voice echo off the surrounding buildings. “NO WALL IS SAFE”. I had to grin.

What’s That….. Do you want more?

The murals in Hobe Sound have been such a hit that cities all over Florida are starting to use them to enhance buildings. If you can’t get enough murals, jump in the car and head about 12 miles north to Downtown Stuart. My past colleagues at Martin County High School completed one at the Prescription Shop on Kanner Highway that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention. The Art Department made it a school project and art students were happy to participate in designing and painting a 70 ft mural called “Stuart History”. The project centered around a unit that students were studying called “Art in Public Places”.

There are about 20 in the Stuart area. You can access the list here: The Stuart Main Street Florida Mural Trail. By now you must want to hang around Hobe Sound and Stuart in Martin County for a few more days. Well, if you decide to stay awhile, I have a perfect plan available if you do. The Old Colorado Inn is the perfect inn to spend a “Perfect Three Day Weekend in Stuart”. The Vitale family owns the inn, and Christopher is an established oil painter. This beautiful mural titled “House of Refuge” is one of the latest to grace the Downtown Stuart area. It is located on the SW corner of Osceola Street and the roundabout.

Now go get some rest. If you are in Martin County, you have a big day planned tomorrow.