LEESBURG — Many windows of the former Citizens National Bank on Citizens Boulevard showcased Florida history through about two dozen 8-foot-high decorative plastic-mosaic murals created by Coral Gables architectural artist J.D. Van Atten in the late 1960s.
Lake Glass & Mirror restored 12 of the colorful panels to their original beauty depicted on the bank building, which was demolished during the summer, for an exhibition at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. "Wall of Florida History" runs through Friday, Dec. 7. and commemorates Florida's 500th anniversary.
Among the murals is a two-panel mosaic illustrating the governing flags that have flown over Florida: Spanish, French, British, Confederate and U.S. Other murals feature Blackbeard the pirate, Queen Elizabeth I of England, explorer Sir Francis Drake and the first steam railroad.
The city will keep six of the original murals — one will be displayed at the Leesburg History Museum. Others will be donated to raise funds for charities such as LifeStream Behavioral Center, the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, Beacon College and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to city spokesman Robert Sargent.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday and during special holiday events.
Details: 352-365-0232 or leesburgcenter4arts.com.
