Cherrylake, a family-owned business and a cornerstone of the local economy, proudly unveiled a stunning new mural as part of the Downtown Artwalk. Created by artist Justin Alsedek, the mural, titled “Plan(t) for the Future,” was commissioned by Cherrylake to reflect its deep commitment to agriculture, sustainable landscaping, and the local community.
As one of the largest private employers in the county and a leading agribusiness in Florida, Cherrylake has long been recognized for its dedication to life, beauty, community, vision, and sustainability. The mural serves as a visual representation of these core values, honoring the area’s rich agricultural history while emphasizing the ongoing responsibility to protect the natural resources that have sustained the community for generations.
The mural is composed of two distinct yet connected scenes, each telling a powerful story of growth, renewal, and hope. The left panel features a large hand emerging from a vibrant sky, gently placing a seed into the earth. This scene symbolizes the beginning of life, the beauty of nature’s cycle, and the vision of a future rooted in sustainable practices. It also pays homage to the area’s agricultural roots, emphasizing the importance of planting and nurturing both crops and community.
The second panel presents a lush and thriving natural environment, centered around a majestic bald cypress tree. The scene is rich with native Florida plants and wildlife, including sandhill cranes, a red-shouldered hawk, bumblebees, and the state butterfly, the zebra longwing. The words “FOR THE FUTURE” are inscribed at the bottom, underscoring the importance of actions taken today to ensure a flourishing and sustainable environment for tomorrow.
“Every member of this community has a role to play in stewarding the beauty of our lakes and land,” said Chloe Gentry, co-CEO of Cherrylake. “Connecting to the beauty of our natural environment inspires how we can best plan for the future. Planting more natives to promote a diverse ecosystem in our built environments is part of that vision.”
The South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the unveiling of the mural at the Historic Downtown Clermont Artwalk. The event was a celebration of the artistic and environmental contributions that Cherrylake and Justin Alsedek have brought to the community.
In addition to the mural, Cherrylake partnered with the local non-profit THRIVE to sell native perennial plants during the event, with all proceeds benefiting THRIVE’s mission to support teens in the Clermont area.
Visit Historic Downtown Clermont to experience this incredible addition to the Artwalk and reflect on the community’s shared commitment to a sustainable future.
