This summer has been a hot one—but there is no cooler place to beat the heat than the Avenue for the Arts. This Thursday, August 9 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the 106 South Division Parking lot, the Avenue will welcome its newest addition: a fantastic new mural created by a group of students participating in the UICA’s ArtWorks Program in conjunction with Avenue for the Arts artist Erwin Erkfitz. The mural will be welcomed with the help of the students, Avenue for the Arts neighbors, friends and City Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to come down to join the community in congratulating the students on a job well done!
Over the past four weeks, the students creating this mural have taken everything in stride, including staying late to make up for a couple days lost to 100 degree weather. In regards to his experience working with the students, Lead Artist Erwin Erfitz says, "I have been very impressed by the work ethic of all the kids this summer. I feel very fortunate both as an Avenue for the Arts committee member and a local creative to have had the opportunity to work with the ArtWorks program. The addition of the 106 S. Division mural will continue to build the creative culture of South Division."
"Through the effort and work of the kids the next generations of Grand Rapids are now aware and productive towards that goal. This Thursday's mural unveiling will mark the end of our mural production and this summer's ArtWorks programming," says Erfitz. "The energy and enthusiasm that the kids are bringing to the table now is truly magical as they watch this mural come to life from simple concept more than three weeks ago."
This exciting new mural further highlights the Avenue as a center for arts and culture in Grand Rapids, and is only phase one of a two part mural project at 106 South Division. The first mural, completed by the students on August 9, will be complemented by a second mural to be completed for ArtPrize by Erkfitz. Join the Avenue for the Arts as they celebrate the joys of a creative community this Thursday!
For more information, please visit avenueforthearts.com or uica.org.
Submitted by Taylor Greenfield, ArtWorks instructor, recent Kendall MFA graduate, fine artist and Avenue for the Arts wrangler.
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