Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Work on Monticello's latest mural began Monday, Dec. 15. The wildlife mural, which was funded by a grant from T-Mobile, is the work of Jason Tetlack of Tetlak, LLC. He expects that the work will be finished on Friday, Dec. 19, weather permitting.
The work is moving fast. The priming and sketch of the mural's design was finished Monday. As of Tuesday, Tetlak has begun to outline everything in dark orange and red paint. He hopes to add at least two colors each day until the mural is completed.
Tetlak, who is originally from Ohio, moved to Florida to study at Flagler College in St. Augustine. He graduated in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in fine art and graphic design. During the pandemic, he decided to leave the world of graphic design and begin painting murals full-time. Now residing in Jacksonville, Fla., Tetlak has painted over 80 murals in 20 states across the country.
Tetlak's latest project prominently features the Monticello name, which is framed by nearly 30 different species of local flora and fauna. He says that he appreciates that he's creating something outdoors, beyond his typical work in retail spaces and restaurants, which will be seen by countless people as they go around the iconic courthouse.
“A lot of times, I don't get to do stuff that's as interesting and intricate as this mural is,” Tetlak says. “I think it's kind of a game, the way that you have to spot all of the little hidden things. It's really cool to be able to focus on nature with this project.”
The mural-in-progress is located on the south side of the building on the northwest corner of U.S. 19 and Courthouse Circle.
