Riverside Avondale Preservation led a community task force in collaboration with six community partners to bring the mural to life
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jacksonville, Fla. (Sept. 3, 2026) – After the state-mandated removal of the rainbow crosswalks on Lomax Street in 5 Points in August 2025, a conversation immediately began amongst Riverside residents, business owners, and leaders about ways in which the area, historically recognized as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, can continue to support and advocate for the community through art. What emerged was a plan for a mural steps away from the rainbow crosswalks, now expunged with black paint, on the exterior of a privately owned building. The mural would cover an existing mural painted more than a decade ago and celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity and affirm its LGBTQ+ community.
The result is Shaun Thurston’s “Constellations of Us,” a 1,700-square-foot mural featuring a full rainbow spectrum and actual community members, depicted as radiant light, symbolizing a shared inner spark that connects all humans as one. Thurston also painted the former mural that the new one now covers.
“5 Points has served as an epicenter of open creative expression and diverse community in Jacksonville for as long as I can remember. This mural celebrates that inclusive spirit,” said Thurston.
“Depicting real local community members rendered in glowing light, the artwork highlights the shared human energy that binds us together across a full spectrum of identity. Facing the tension between forces that divide us and the love that unites us, this work stands as a recognition of our interconnected lives – and a commitment that division has no place in 5 Points.”
Local paint company Paint Maven cleaned and primed the exterior wall and Thurston began his work on July 25. Thurston was onsite painting for 20 days across three and a half weeks to complete the mural.
“Constellations of Us” is fully funded by private donations, including contributions from:
- The Robert B. Ragland Foundation
- AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida
- Preston Haskell
- Justin Stowell & Travis Joyal
- Clark LaBlond & Ben Montgomery
- Riverside Avondale Preservation
The mural has received more than its budgetary goal for the project. The overage will be used as a reserve fund for ongoing maintenance and care of the mural into the future.
The community task force is comprised of representatives from the following local organizations:
- 5 Points Association
- District 7 City Councilperson Jimmy Peluso
- AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida
- Equality Northeast Florida
- JASMYN
- Jax River City Pride
- Riverside Avondale Preservation
The full press kit can be accessed and downloaded HERE.
About Riverside Avondale Preservation
The purpose and mission of Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc., colloquially known as RAP, is to preserve, enhance, and celebrate the historic fabric, arts, culture, local businesses, and public spaces of the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Fla. The weekly Riverside Arts Market, under the administration of RAP, is hosted every Saturday under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. For more information, visit www.riversideavondale.org
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