Transforming Community and Business with Every Brushstroke

Gainesville, FL – In the heart of Gainesville, where art and business merge seamlessly, muralist Jenna Horner is leaving an indelible mark on the city. Over the past decade, she has completed more than 40 public murals, each one reflecting Gainesville’s unique identity and fostering a sense of pride. Her work, ranging from commercial buildings to schools and personal residential projects, does more than beautify the environment—it transforms public spaces into cultural landmarks that resonate with the community.

Jenna’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. Instead of struggling to balance her passion for art with the realities of running a business, she has found a way to do both, creating murals that not only elevate the city’s aesthetic but also serve as powerful tools for economic development and community connection.

From Art School to Public Art Pioneer

Jenna’s journey into public art started like many artists—full of uncertainty. “You go to art school, and you don’t always know what comes next,” she recalls. “But I was determined not to follow that uncertain path. I wanted to make art my career, not just a hobby.”

After immersing herself in Gainesville’s vibrant art scene, Jenna found her niche by taking on multiple roles—gallery director, painting instructor, and eventually, muralist. Her breakthrough came when she participated in the 352Walls mural initiative, which brought international artists to Gainesville while providing an opportunity for local talent to shine. Jenna submitted a design and landed her first public mural at Depot Park, which ignited her career.

Building a Thriving Business Through Art

What sets Jenna apart from traditional artists is her ability to merge artistic expression with business acumen. Mural painting requires not only creative skill but also logistical expertise, and Jenna has honed both. She has cultivated a reputation as a muralist and business owner, working closely with businesses, schools, and private clients to deliver site-specific pieces that enhance both the aesthetic and commercial value of spaces.

Jenna explains her collaborative process: “I work with my clients, not for them. I don’t expect them to come to me with a design concept—that’s my job. Instead, I help them articulate the energy and symbolism they want their space to convey.”

Her bold, nature-inspired style—characterized by organic shapes, vibrant colors, and thematic connections to the environment—has become instantly recognizable. One of her landmark projects, the REI mural in Downtown Gainesville, marked a turning point in her artistic evolution. “It was the first time I truly embraced my style, using nature as a unifying element to express beauty and connection,” she shares.

Murals as Drivers of Community and Business Growth

As Jenna’s reputation grew, so did the recognition of murals as valuable assets for business development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, residential commissions surged as people sought to personalize their homes. However, Jenna has observed a shift back to commercial murals, with businesses now understanding that art can be a powerful tool for attracting customers and creating lasting impressions.

In Gainesville, murals are no longer just a decorative trend; they are integral to the city’s cultural renaissance. As businesses increasingly see the value of public art, Jenna continues to work with companies that recognize art as more than just decoration—it’s a way to engage customers and make bold statements about their brand.

“We’re in the middle of a cultural shift,” she explains. “Murals have evolved beyond street art to become recognized as vital components of public spaces. The challenge now is to do this sustainably, ensuring that we keep resources and talent within our community.”

Mindful Messages: Using Art to Create Lasting Impact in Schools

Jenna’s commitment to social change is evident through her nonprofit initiative, Mindful Messages, which brings murals into local schools. Jenna notes, “Schools are often built with sterile, uninspiring designs. But public art can make a difference by creating a more inspiring environment and giving students the opportunity to leave their mark.”

Through Mindful Messages, students collaborate with Jenna to paint murals that transform their school hallways into vibrant, energizing spaces. As the nonprofit grew, Jenna transitioned the initiative under the Gainesville Fine Arts Association to ensure long-term sustainability.

Jenna’s most recent project is a mural at Gainesville High School (GHS) that tells a powerful and personal story. This mural, honoring the first three Black graduates of GHS, reflects on the history of desegregation in the school during the 1960s. The mural’s message, “Be The Change,” will serve as a reminder of the courageous individuals who paved the way and inspire students to do the same.

How You Can Support This Project

This mural is entirely funded by the generosity of the Gainesville community. Supporters can contribute to the mural through the GHS Mural Fundraising Page, which can be accessed here: Support the Mural: GHS Mural Fundraising. Jenna is also hosting a series of donation-based yoga fundraisers at Yoga Pod Gainesville (NW location) to raise funds for this project, with the Sweat and Surrender Yoga Class being the Mural Fundraiser Finale on Sunday, 03/30 at 12:15 PM.

This mural, like many of Jenna’s projects, is a testament to how art can create lasting change and foster a sense of unity within a community.

What’s Next for Jenna Horner?

While Jenna remains deeply involved in large-scale murals, she is also exploring new avenues. “Murals are physically demanding, and while I love the large-scale work, I’m transitioning to curation, teaching, and developing sustainable art programs that benefit Gainesville’s community,” she shares.

She’s also revisiting her roots in mixed-media art, with plans to develop more gallery pieces and canvas commissions. “I see myself moving toward a curatorial role—creating opportunities for other artists, keeping resources within our community, and helping businesses use art in meaningful ways,” she says.

Jenna’s impact on Gainesville is immeasurable. Her murals not only define the city’s aesthetic but also foster a sense of unity, culture, and commerce. As she continues to evolve her practice, her work will undoubtedly remain an integral part of Gainesville’s landscape for years to come.