“Observations” Mural Timeline

2007 - Observations mural commission

Dana Donaty

‘Observations’ mural

10’ x 36’ panels 12’ x 49’ building

Acrylic on dibond panels and on the building Delray Beach Camera Shop

186 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, Florida

‘Observations’ was inspired by native flora and fauna at Author R. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in the Everglades. Donaty’s signature style of composing a highly energized composition nearly bursting at the seams is on full display in her idealized portrayal of an Everglades scene.

‘Observations’ was the inaugural mural of the Pineapple Grove Arts District Artscape Program, Delray Beach.

Generous support and funding by Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., a Reimbursement Grant from Palm Beach County GO Parks & Cultural Improvement, Pineapple Grove Main Street Board Members, Chris Reich, Claudio Camilucci and the local community.

• ‘Observations’ painter observed, The Palm Beach Post, Bob Shanley, July 24, 2007
• Wildlife mural brings Everglades to City, Delray Forum, Dave Dipino, September 5, 2007
• Mural, mural on the wall, The Palm Beach Post, Chris Matula, December 5, 2007
• Magic Maker, Atlantic Ave Magazine, Sue Morgan, December 2007
• Enhancing Pineapple Grove, Sun Sentinel, Mary Thurman Yucas, January 6, 2008

2008 - Observations mural excellence award

The Delray Beach Site Plan Review & Appearance Board awards Dana Donaty for Excellence in Design in the Category of : Artistic Building Design for the Delray Camera Shop Mural

2010 - Observations mural excellence award

ASID South Florida Chapter awards Dana Donaty Industry Partner Design Excellence Award: Best Artistic Public Project for the Observations mural

2020 - Plans to relocate the mural

Delray Beach Camera Shop building located at 186 NE 2nd, Delray Beach is sold

'Observations’ mural panels are removed from the Camera Shop building and put into storage

2021 - Observations mural restoration and relocation

Dana Donaty

‘Observations’ mural

restoration and relocation

10’ x 36’ panels 10’ x 40’ building

Acrylic on dibond panels and on the building

Delray Beach Camera Shop

217 NE 4th Ave, Delray Beach, Florida

As part of a four month Extended Residency Exchange Program at the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach, Donaty will restore the “Observations” mural panels on the second floor, studio 14.

Donaty’s residency will include community programming, “In-Studio Interactions” Drop-in Kids Sketching, Open Studio Hours, First Friday Art Walk events and “Workshops” Exploring the Artist Process.

Upon completion of the mural restoration project the panels will be installed at the new location and Donaty will paint the companion murals directly on the walls of the new site.

Generous support and funding for this project from Pineapple Grove Main Street Inc, The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, The Arts Warehouse, The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, Chris Reich, Grace Gdaniec, Laura Simon and the Pineapple Grove Main Street Board Members.

• "Delray Camera Shop Mural Finds New Life" - CRA Mid-Summer Newsletter article, 7-2-21
• "Camera Shop mural restoration clicks in Delray Beach" - Florida Daily Post, 7-2-21