A beautiful drive from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach, traveling North on U.S. 1 and East on Atlantic Boulevard, yielded these photos of the ever-growing array of outdoor murals in this area.
This building, a former restaurant bar, has been a painted lady for a long time. It is vacant and may be in its death throes.
That's a shame, because the Federal Highway location would seem a good one for business. It's right in front of the Fox Cross condo complex for over 55, so a lot of foot traffic is possible. And it has a parking lot.
Nearby, this fantastically detailed mural is a newer one. It extends along the side of the building, as you see.
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The curlicues and dots on the pineapple that are stunning.
Hours of work must have been spent creating this colorful art that all of us can enjoy for absolutely free.
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The Star Ballroom reflects the somewhat shabbier side of Pompano Beach. But the two murals on the buildings facade show all the fun that goes on inside. The Star is a very active place for dancers.
A charming older element of Pompano Beach is this mosaic map on the side of one building. You can see the detail in the next photo.
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This faux lighthouse is a remnant of the kitschy architecture of old South Florida of the 1950 and 1960s. I am sorry to see the passing of these quaint structures and glad a few remain.
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Renovations are in progress at two strip malls -- and much needed, judging from some of the uninviting exteriors of others.
Last, here are two more photos of an op-art mural that has sprung up on the side of a stained glass art gallery. Viva the muralists.
