The “Ad Astra” mural in downtown Melbourne is back to its original luster after artist Christopher Maslow repaired his colorful creation in the wake of some damage from construction on its building.
Commissioned by Florida Tech and unveiled in 2016, the 90-foot-long mural is on the western wall of the building at 800 E. New Haven Ave. at Waverly Place. Named after Florida Tech’s motto, “Ad Astra Per Scientiam,” which translated from Latin means “To the stars through science,” the mural depicts a panther – Florida Tech’s mascot – strolling through environs of land, sea and stars, capturing the university’s STEM focus and its past, present and future.
“This was a gift of public art to Melbourne from Florida Tech, and we want to show the public and the community here our commitment to this city, and that means making sure that we keep the art preserved for many years to come,” Maslow said on a recent afternoon as he worked on the mural.
Downtown Melbourne is home to more than one dozen murals.
These fixes come about three years after Maslow conducted his previous intervention when the mural sustained damage where it appears the wall fell away. Colors elsewhere had faded since 2016.
A prolific artist, Maslow said “Ad Astra” remains a stand-out for him.
“It’s very iconic because this is something that ties me to this prestigious university. I didn’t attend Florida Tech, but I have gained a great understanding about what Florida Tech represents and what it means to the community here,” he said. “So it certainly stands out as being one of the more important collaborations of my career, and especially the fact that it sits front and center here in the heart of downtown Melbourne. It’s personally of great interest.”
