Get Up Close With Muralist Cody Monahan at New Interactive Gallery-Studio
For years, people in Brevard County have been able to watch muralist Cody B. Monahan create amazing art on buildings and homes. Now, he’s bringing that experience to the smaller canvas with his new interactive gallery-studio.
“People don’t really know what goes into art; they just see it finished,” Monahan said. “When I’m painting a mural, I’m outside, so people can watch me and talk to me. The gallery is interactive — it’s a studio and a gallery. My studio where I paint is up front so people can watch the process and talk to me. It bridges the gap that most people don’t see."
The grand opening of Monahan's new creative space is planned for mid-December. Keep up with the latest details on Monahan’s social media: @codybmonahan on Facebook and Instagram.
Monahan started his art career when a painting he’d made for his mother won a contest. He’s been a professional muralist since 2019. Monahan says he loves the big canvas because it’s so high energy.
“You’re standing the whole time, going up and down ladders. You use big brush strokes with your whole arm,” he said, adding that it’s a different experience for those viewing the work, as well. “The coolest part is that you’re not just standing and looking at a painting. You’re inside the painting.”
Monahan’s murals often feature sea life, but he’s also done tropical birds, space themes, other animals and abstracts. He said the key is the emotion of the piece. His work is popular with businesses who commission him not just for the beauty he adds to their exteriors but also for the reaction the art elicits from customers and passers-by.
“Cody's design and vision made our mural come to life,” said Dana Webb, store manager of Beachside Pawn in Melbourne. He said that the mural (a sea turtle) has turned their store from a simple building to a landmark.
“People call asking for directions, and when we tell them that we are the building with the turtle, they know exactly where we are,” Webb said.
The gallery, however, is a dream come true for Monahan, and a place where he can explore his personal expression.
“Murals are a collaboration between me and the client. The gallery is about what do I want to paint and exactly how I think it should be done,” he said.
Of course, the gallery will feature one of his murals on the outside. He’ll start work on it after the opening. The gallery will host other local artists, as well.
Whether on a wall or as a wall, Monahan’s art is bright, colorful, and heartfelt.
“My whole theme is ‘beautiful influence,’” he said. “I’m trying to connect people through beauty, and to have people look at art and not think about art but reflect on their lives in a beautiful way.”
Kim Froge of Nana’s House said the sea turtle mural he created for their playground does just that.
“It makes the playground a tranquil area. The kids love it,” she said.
The local artist has great aspirations for his career.
“My role models were in the Renaissance,” Monahan said. “My dream project would be taking what they did further, making something nobody’s ever seen before. It’s not really a place; it’s more of doing what they did but more.”
Learn More
Cody B. Monahan's New Gallery-Studio
1003 E. New Haven Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32935
Instagram: @codybmonahan
Facebook: /codybmonahan
A common sight to those diving through Melbourne is Cody B. Monahan's mural "Flamingo in Flight" in the wall of Chairs for Affairs.
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