Kalamazoo arts group announces lineup for inaugural mural festival
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo will announce its lineup of participating artists for the city’s inaugural “Brush The Block” mural festival Friday night in Bronson Park.
“This is the first mural festival for Kalamazoo,” Kim Shaw, programs director for the Arts Council and festival director of Brush The Block, said. “It’s something that has been a conversation over the last few years.”
Visitors to Kalamazoo’s Art Hop summer series.
Visitors to Kalamazoo’s Art Hop summer series. (Courtesy Colleen Woolpert)
Interest in a community mural festival began after local organizers — like assistant city manager Rebekah Kik — noticed that similar events in nearby cities like Battle Creek and Jackson were well-received.
On Friday at 7 p.m. in Kalamazoo’s Bronson Park, Shaw and members of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo will announce the seven professional muralists who will create installation pieces across downtown between Sept. 2 and 7.
“Our schedule of events is going live on the Brush The Block website tonight after we reveal the mural artists,” Shaw said.
Across six different locations, visitors to Brush The Block will be able to ride the city’s trolley service for free transportation between the artists.
“People can get on and off to go and see the mural sites,” Shaw said.
Visitors to Kalamazoo's Art Hop summer series. (071125)
After Friday’s announcement, an interactive graffiti wall will be hosted by artist and activist Maya James.
“It’s an opportunity for the community join in,” Shaw said. “They can come up and also paint on the wall.”
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