There’s something special about watching art come to life right in front of you — brushstrokes building stories, shapes forming meaning and color breathing new energy into a space. That’s exactly what’s happening at the St. Pete Pier this week as part of the 727 Day celebration, where several local artists have been invited to paint live murals in honor of the city’s vibrant creative spirit and the Pier’s birthday.
Among the artists selected for this initiative is Alyssa Marie, a painter known for her whimsical, emotion-filled animal portraits that blend natural imagery with surreal, joyful flair. Her contribution to the Pier mural series is instantly recognizable — from the pelicans adorned with pom-pom headphones to bursts of floral crowns, each element is infused with intention and personality.
“I’ve adored St. Pete since I moved here from Denver in 2017,” Alyssa shared. “So to be asked to create a mural in a place as beloved as the Pier meant the world to me — especially since I was able to bring art back to the lawn where the previous net sculpture had to be removed after last year’s hurricanes. It felt like bringing life back into a space that needed it.”
Her mural lives on the same stretch of lawn where thousands gather for sunsets, music and celebrations, adding a new layer of beauty and meaning to an already iconic location. But this wasn’t just a quiet installation — Alyssa painted her mural live throughout the week, inviting the public into her creative process. That openness was intentional.
“It’s so important for the public to be able to witness art being made in real time,” she explained. “They get to meet the artist, see the process and connect to it in a way that’s not possible in a gallery or museum. I’ve found that watching someone create — even if you’re not an artist yourself — can flip a switch in your brain. It inspires you to do something creative, even if it’s just for yourself.”
Alyssa’s work blends storytelling, emotion and a touch of local flair. She’s known for capturing animals with expressive eyes and unexpected details — a Great White Shark wearing a sunflower crown, a spoonbill dancing in oversized headphones. And for this mural, she included a tribute to fellow artist and friend Chad Mize, whose own mural is part of the series. One of Alyssa’s painted pelicans sports Mize’s famous “World Tee” as a nod to their shared creative community.
Her goal is simple: inspiration. “When people walk away from my mural, I want them to feel lighter — in the heart and in the head,” she said. “I hope something inside them gets sparked, even if it’s small. That they remember what it feels like to make something, or dream about something, or get excited about something.”
Alyssa’s mural joins several others now on display at the St. Pete Pier — each one adding to the story of what 727 Day is all about: celebrating the creative energy, community connection and local pride that make St. Pete shine.
Whether you’re there to snap a photo, admire the brushwork or just soak it all in during your evening walk, this mural series is a reminder that public art is more than just something to look at — it’s something that brings people together.
Visit the St. Pete Pier lawn to see the full mural series in celebration of 727 Day
Learn more about Alyssa Marie’s work at www.alyssamariegallery.com
Follow her on Instagram: @alyssa.marie.of.the.sea