Staff Report

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Miami based international artist David “Lebo” Le Batard completes the largest art mural approved by the city of Miami Beach at the historic Roosevelt Theatre. The ‘Welcome to Miami Beach’ mural will serve as a welcoming landmark to locals, tourists, and art enthusiasts from around the globe.

For the design of the mural, Lebo used a vintage postcard theme that pops against the lush tropical background that is naturally present at the Roosevelt Theatre wall. With a mid-century modern appearance, this mural warmly greets guests and residents with a cheerful sun.

Lebo chose to paint a monk parakeet on the opposite side of a night jasmine blossom, a fragrant tropical flower native to South Florida. The monk parakeet is itself a visitor to South Florida and has been a resident since 1969.

As Lebo describes, “A big reason I chose to highlight the Monk Parakeet for this project is its unique nature as a tropical species. Not only can their distinctive squawking be heard throughout the area, but you can also see their family nests located in palm trees all around Miami Beach,” stated Lebo.

Below the parakeet and night jasmine blossom is a stylized wave pattern inspired by the Art Deco movement, another trademark of Miami Beach. The lifeguard stand also captures another of the city’s highlights with its delightful one-of-a-kind feel, as it stands dotting the Atlantic.

“I wanted to bring a mural to Miami Beach to show a different aspect of the city in the form of nature for residents and guests,” explained Lebo.

The mural will also serve to revitalize and bring more traffic to one of main entrances of Miami Beach as well as the historic Roosevelt Theatre.

“Millions of people visit Miami Beach each year. Our city is known for its rich cultural diversity, its festive lifestyle, and unique appreciation of art and style. Lebo’s mural compliments perfectly each aspect of the city, and we are excited to have this exclusive piece of art at the entrance of our beautiful city,” stated Roosevelt Theatre Property Manager, Mendel Garfinkel.

The mural is located at 770 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach.