Dan Fenelon Art Venue

      New Jersey born artist Dan Fenelon states, “I was born to paint as my Mother would say. “  Dan adds with a smile as bright as his mural, “I have known since I was since six years old what I wanted to be when I grew up, a painter.” 

     Dan continues to live in New Jersey with his wife and stepson.  Traveling to Michigan for the opportunity to participate in the Art Venue with the main reason being the opportunity to paint something really special for Grand Rapids.  Dan delivered exactly what he set out to do. 

     Initially, a fan of his on his website www.wavedog.com suggested he apply for the Art Venue project believing Dan would be one of the few chosen artists selected for the opportunity to present their art work for an incredibly large area.  The area includes most of western Michigan as well as individuals appreciating the art forms of many artists from all genres of show casing their talents. 

     Dan was blessed to become one of those few to present their work for Art Venue.  He immediately began contemplating what he would paint while still in New Jersey.  Dan has had several one man shows in New Jersey with a few into New York.  His work is much appreciated, as indicated from the many responses I observed during our interview.

     The painting itself was painted in 27 days from start to finish.  Dwelling Place on Sheldon, looking for an artist to paint the side of their building with something inspirational reflecting something for all of Grand Rapids saw Dan’s application to Art Venue and impressed by his work offered him the entire side of their building as his canvas.

He painted the image as four separate murals beginning with a white graphed out piece of paper with each square measuring 3’x3’.  He then began drawing his work onto the graph paper detailed down to the foot.  Dan’s next step was to fill in his pencil work with color as four separate pieces as stated earlier.  Finally, Dan placed the four together to form the larger mural.

     Due to the fact that Dwelling Place in itself is a non-profit organization most of the materials for the mural were donated.  Twenty two gallons of paint was donated from Reprolite who also prepped the wall itself for Dan to begin his process of painting.  A fork lift was also donated for him to reach the higher spots.  Dan stated, “The most important beginning of any creation is an eraser.” 

     During the interview I asked Dan the following questions:

What do the teeth represent?

     “The teeth represent the building at 101 Sheldon itself as it was once the home to the Ferguson Health Centers Dental Clinic.”

        What do the houses represent?

                      “101 Sheldon- the Dwelling Place itself as it is housing for a number of people.”

        What does the tribal image represent?

                      “I wanted to pay homage to the Ottawa people of the Grand Rapids area.”

       What does the sun represent?

                  “The sun symbolizes hope and encouragement.”

       How big is the mural?

                  “The mural is 120’ x 30’.”

     The title of the art work is Inspiration and Beyond.  Dan also did not use any assistants for the painting itself.  The medium for the painting is acrylic paint one of Dan’s favorite paints to use.

     During the interview several people stopped to look at the mural asking Dan several questions as I did about the painting itself.  All of the individuals observing the painting delivered positive feedback to Dan.  He beamed with pleasure at all of those who were touched personally by his work.

     Dan was very proud when one of those observing stated, “Fantastic, I love this- I could put this in my house this is totally my style. “  One of the observers actually did take a piece of it and was planning on framing the cards he was handing out and placing it on her kitchen wall.

     The mural is very special because it means something different to everyone who enjoys the view, which is exactly art work should do.