Since the beginning, George Jenkins sought ways to bring beauty to his stores. One of the most unique examples takes us back to the 1960s. It all started when Mr. George was on a trip to California. He happened to drive past a building decorated with a colorful mosaic tile mural. He had never seen such a grand piece of artwork on the outside of a building, and thought it would be the perfect touch for one of his stores.
He contacted the California artist, John Garth, and asked him to come to Florida to create a similar mosaic mural for a new Publix that was being built in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Garth designed a stunning scene depicting all the foods of the world coming together for Publix customers. It featured a golden-haired goddess holding a bounty of produce, and Mr. Garth’s own daughter was the model for the goddess.
It consisted of two panels, one 50’ x 10’ and the other 20’ x 10’. He brought the massive quantity of sorted and numbered tiles to Florida, and a team installed the pieces on site, section by section, until every piece was in place and the scene was complete. It must have been like putting a huge puzzle together!
When the store opened on August 29, 1961, the mosaic was a sight to behold. At the time, it was the first mosaic mural in Florida, and one of only two in the entire country. He would come back to Florida in 1964 to install one more tile mosaic mural on a store in Lakeland.
In the mid-1970s, Florida artist Pati Mills was commissioned to create murals for Publix. The first of her creations featured a bounty of colorful fruits and vegetables flowing from a horn-of-plenty.
Later, she began researching each city to incorporate local themes into the designs. From landscapes to city history, the murals reflected the individual personality of each community. During her 20 years beautifying Publix stores, she created more than 200 pieces of art. Just imagine how many tiles that would add up to!
Former mural at Store 161, Palm Beach, Fla., created by Pati Mills.
Where are the murals today?
In 2018, the original Ft. Lauderdale mural was “reborn,” when artist Tom Pritzen recreated John Garth’s artwork at the Polk County Tax Collector’s office in Lakeland, Florida. A celebration was held on November 29, and Mr. George’s family members were given the honor of unveiling the mural. What made the event even more special was the fact that this building was originally a Publix built in 1953.
Several other original murals can still be seen today at stores throughout Central and South Florida.
Have you ever seen a mural on a Publix store? Which one is your favorite? Tell us your story in the comments below.
I love the remaining murals but can someone PLEASE come restore the one in Davie off I-595 and 136th? It’s a beautiful depiction of horses but someone tried “repairing” a broken area with a big metal piece that was crudely painted. It’s a little comical, wish I could post a pic here. Anyway, Publix, please! You can do better!! Still love you and your delicious subs and cakes though.
Hey there, Natalee. Thank you for taking the time to share this feedback regarding this particular store. I will be sure to have your comments shared with the appropriate team.
Jennifer,
Did Bill Schroter, an early Publix team member, suggest the slogan “Publix Where Shopping Is A Pleasure”?
Thanks!
Hi Beverly. Yes, he did! You can find more information about how the slogan came to be here: https://blog.publix.com/publix/how-publixs-slogan-came-to-be/. Thanks for reaching out.
George Jenkins passion reminds me of the passion I felt, I was touched the first time I saw a great so called “graffiti ” peice, i quickly created a few of my own at my residence,really miss the mosaic that was at the Downtown Jensen location (aka ocean breeze) before the remodel ,I had be going to that Publix since my childhood always taking a min to be engulfed at it before walking thru the doors.
I have lived in Lakeland all my life and remember the beautiful mural at Searstown Publix well! Each time we went there I would marvel at the beauty of the individual tiles! Was any of this mural saved? A few months ago I saw the painted mural at Grove Park as the tear down/rebuild of my favorite Publix began. This brought back a flood of memories as I have shopped at this Publix most of my life. It is my hope that all, or at least part, of this mural was saved and preserved. (Jennifer B, I began working at Publix in 1981 in DSD accounting under Mary B. You and I chatted on occasion.)
Hi Leslie! Growing up in Lakeland, you and I are fortunate to have seen the Searstown murals — the Publix mural and the tiles covering the ground around the old fountain in the back corner of the shopping center. The Publix mural was accidentally painted over a few years ago, but I understand that Mr. George’s grandson is working on restoring/saving it. He’s also been involved with the Grove Park Shopping Center project.
It’s great to hear from you!
Jennifer
I started in1989at Ft. Myers,205 store, now a Big Lots, it is across the street from my home. I always look at on my way in and it makes me smile. If they ever take down i will try and save a piece.
Sallie, these murals always make me smile, too!