Mini Downtown DeLand Wings
BEACON PHOTOS/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN THEY’RE JUST MY SIZE! — Above, West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority Executive Director Georgia Turner, left, and artist Erica Group unveil the newest Wings of the West mural, to the delight of Group’s son, Russ.

DeLand artist Erica Group, known for the Wings of West Volusia mural series, will now serve on the City of DeLand’s Public Mural Art Committee.

Group’s appointment comes following the death of mural committee member and former DeLand City Commissioner Mary Swiderski last October.

“DeLand is abundant with beautiful murals, and its love for the arts is undeniable,” Group told The Beacon. “I believe it is vital to protect the integrity and reputation DeLand has earned in the arts community.”

Group was one of a number of artists who asked to be considered for a seat on the board when it was created, but she didn’t quite make the cut. Now, she said she’s looking forward to serving.

“I’m proud to live in a city that takes such care in preserving and promoting this essential thread, and I’m proud to be appointed to this board,” Group said.

She will serve through the remainder of Swiderski’s tenure, until 2025.

Since it was created last year, the mural committee has approved two murals. The first was a mural of grazing cows alongside the T.G. Lee Dairy on State Road 472, and the second a mural of Group’s — a miniature version of her iconic DeLand Wings designed for shorter fans of the mural.

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