Brian Weaver

The Florida alligator fascinates out-of-state visitors. This was true of the sportsmen who patronized the Tarpon House on Punta Rassa between 1885 and 1913 and of the tourists who stayed at Hugh O’Neill’s Royal Palm Hotel in downtown Fort Myers beginning in 1897. Back then, many steamship companies through the state touted the opportunity to shoot alligators from the upper decks of their boats. Still, it surprises many that Fort Myers advertised itself to northern and Midwestern visitors by means of postcards like the one that local artist Brian Weaver painted in this mural, titled Gator Hunt, which can be found near the entrance to the river basin at the intersection of Bay and Hendry Streets in downtown Fort Myers.

Panamanian-born, Brian Weaver is a local artist whose work blurs the line between street and fine art in an effort to encourage dialogue. In this vein, Weaver uses graffiti as an instrument of social change and a platform to advocate for issues like racism, animal cruelty and the lack of arts education in public schools. As co-founder of Artsemble Underground, Weaver not only works with partner Cesar Aguilera to make art more accessible and immersive, but with local schools and nonprofits, like the I Will Mentorship Foundation, to show youngsters how to make a living through art.

After relocating to Southwest Florida from Colorado, Weaver participated in numerous area street art festivals such as Fort Myers Art Walk, Cape Coral’s All Walks of Art and Mystery Walk in downtown Fort Myers. He often shows his newest works at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Cape Coral Art Center and pop up shows produced by Artsemble Underground. He is also the founder of an underground warehouse called Epicenter by Circus Arts United, most famous for its Battle of the Arts contests and fundraising events for local nonprofits.

Brian attended the School of Communication Arts in North Carolina, graduating with a degree in Graphic Design and Computer Animation.

March 18, 2023.