News Summary
Christian Stanley, an Orlando-based muralist, has gained national acclaim for his large-scale murals, particularly his award-winning piece ‘Prairie Thunder.’ This mural, which depicts the American bison and captures the essence of a prairie storm, won the Gold National Mural Award for Region Five and was named one of the Top Ten Murals in the World in 2024. Through C. Stanley Creative, Stanley aims to promote public art and mentor emerging artists while enhancing the local art scene.
Orlando, Florida – Christian Stanley, an emerging muralist based in Orlando and a graduate of the University of Central Florida, has gained national recognition for his impressive large-scale murals. Operating under his company, C. Stanley Creative, alongside his wife Jessica, Stanley’s artistry is not only being celebrated locally but is also making waves on the international stage.
Recently, Stanley was awarded the prestigious Gold National Mural Award for Region Five for his mural titled “Prairie Thunder,” a striking piece that stands at 46 feet tall and 86 feet wide. Located in Clay Center, Kansas, this mural is part of a public art initiative known as A Mural Movement. “Prairie Thunder” vividly illustrates the American bison, capturing the spirit of a roaring prairie storm and has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Murals in the World for 2024 by the global street art platform Street Art Cities.
Stanley’s artwork emphasizes the role of public art in fostering a connection between communities and their environment while promoting awareness of local wildlife. Through C. Stanley Creative, he aims to mentor upcoming artists and engage with various arts organizations to enhance the accessibility of public art. The company is dedicated to hosting workshops and educational programs, teaching artists how to create and execute large-scale mural projects.
Stanley’s career began to take shape with his involvement in the Sam Flax Wall Project in Orlando during 2019 and 2022. This initiative invites local artists to paint the shop’s walls, offering exposure and support for the artistic community. The project is slated to return on February 22, providing further opportunities for local artists to contribute to the city’s evolving art scene.
Despite recognizing the growth of Orlando’s street art community, Stanley notes that there are limited opportunities for mural painting in the area. His artistic endeavors extend beyond Florida, encompassing commissions throughout the United States and internationally, including projects in Romania and the United Kingdom. The mural “Prairie Thunder” recently earned itself a spot on the Street Art Cities Top 50 list for the best murals in the world in 2024.
In addition to his international acclaim, Stanley contributed to a significant project in Ocoee, Florida, where he painted the city’s first-ever mural, the McKey Street Centennial Mural. This project was part of Ocoee’s celebration of its 100-year anniversary, capturing the city’s rich history and culture through the inclusion of noteworthy landmarks and events spanning the past century. The mural uses 20 distinct colors to bring to life important sites such as the Withers-Maguire House and Starke Lake.
The Ocoee mural serves as a visual collage representing the city’s past, present, and aspirations for the future, highlighting its agricultural roots and community spirit. Completion of this significant work took Stanley over two weeks and involved active engagement with longtime residents to gather valuable historical insights.
Throughout the development and execution of his murals, Stanley has expressed appreciation for the community support surrounding public art initiatives, reaffirming his commitment to elevate the art scene not only in Orlando but also in the wider region. As Stanley continues to redefine public art through his vibrant creations, the local art community looks to him as a source of inspiration and mentorship.
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Additional Resources
- Bungalower: Orlando Muralist Wins National Mural Award
- Orange Observer: Ocoee Kicks Off Centennial Celebrations
- KCLY Radio: Prairie Thunder Unveils 30th Masterpiece
- Google Search: Christian Stanley muralist
- Ocala Gazette: Artist Plans for Downtown Water Tank Mural
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mural
