Nathan Brown

Apr 2, 2025 | Businesses, Communities, DeFuniak Springs, Walton & Beyond

It’s All Connected: The Story Behind DeFuniak Springs’ Vibrant Mural

By Kerri Parker

Public art has a way of transforming a space—not just physically, but in the way a community connects with it. If you’ve driven through DeFuniak Springs recently, you’ve likely seen the bold, intricate mural gracing the CCB Community Bank Building at Baldwin Avenue and 7th Street. The man behind the masterpiece? Nathan Brown, a nationally recognized muralist whose work has been commissioned by brands like Red Bull, Patagonia, Google, and Spotify.

Arriving in DeFuniak Springs in 2022, Brown brought with him a clear vision: to create a piece that reflects the heart of the town while integrating elements that define Florida’s natural beauty. Titled “It’s All Connected,” the mural showcases a vibrant mix of state symbols—the manatee, sailfish, Florida panther, mockingbird, orange blossom, and native palms—all encircled by a design inspired by Lake DeFuniak’s perfect round shape.

For Brown, the goal of his work has always been to bring people together through public visual art. His color choices, inspired by Florida’s coastal hues and natural pastels, breathe life into the space. The process, which took seven days (thanks to a little help from the unpredictable Florida weather), was met with overwhelming community support. As Brown painted, locals stopped by to chat, offer encouragement, and share their excitement about what this piece means for their town.

“Public art shows a community that people care about a space,” Brown reflects. “It transforms a neighborhood for the better.”

As for what he hopes people take away from the mural? That’s up to the viewer. Brown wants locals to create their own interpretations—to see different animals, shapes, and meanings hidden within the piece. More than anything, he hopes it sparks joy, curiosity, and maybe even a sense of pride.

With upcoming projects that engage students and communities in the creative process, Brown’s impact continues to grow. But for now, DeFuniak Springs has a new landmark—one that reflects both its history and its evolving artistic identity.

Next time you’re downtown, stop by, take a look, and see what you discover.

Follow Nathan Brown on Instagram.

Close up of elements in Nathan Brown Mural in DeFuniak Springs, FL

Did you name the DFS Mural?

I did: “It’s All Connected”

How were you chosen to do the mural in DFS?

Reynolds Henderson, the building owner, had previously seen a mural I painted in another city and they reached out to me about doing something in a similar style.

We noticed you painted your color scheme on the wall before adding color, can you tell us about your color choice process?

My colors came from what I’ve seen visiting Florida, the vivid colors and pastels that dot the coastlines and ones found in nature.

How many days did it take you to complete the mural?

The mural took my 7 full days to complete due to a good bit of rain.

How do you think Art is important to society?

Art and public art in general is a necessary thing to have access to in school and throughout life. Public art shows the community that you care about a space and usually helps transform a neighborhood for the better.

How do you hope the locals will explain your mural?

I hope everyone has their own interpretation of the mural I created, see different shapes, animals, plants

Does Art help you in other areas of your life?

Of course! Art is therapy to me, there’s nothing like zoning into a project, with tons of focus, to help you work through other things going on with your life. Having the time to just create, experiment and doodle for fun is extremely therapeutic. Art has had me travel all over the world, which is so important to see how other people, live work and create. I feel very very lucky to be doing this for a living.

What did you think about DFS and the people who stopped to talk to you?

I had an incredible time meeting so many people in the community there, I had nothing but positive feedback and encouragement was 100% of everyone that drove by, stopped by to chat and interviewed me. It is a great little town and being by the lake was so nice!

Below are some of Nathan’s other favorite murals he created.