The Kenosha Murals Project will host a Block Party, a vibrant celebration of public art and community engagement. The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 8 p.m. at 624 57th Street, Kenosha. Admission is free and open to the public.
This family-friendly event promises a day filled with activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with local artists and organizations.
The Kenosha Murals Project seeks to complete nine murals on walls in Downtown Kenosha, to celebrate the city’s history and culture and inspire the community.
The project is made possible through the cooperation and partnership of Kenosha Creative Space, the City of Kenosha, the Kenosha Community Foundation, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades-District Council No. 7, Liftpro LLC of Kenosha, JDR Painting of Kenosha, and Rust-Oleum, which also donated its Artists Line of Rust-O Spray Paint for the project.
“Every community has a story. Rust-Oleum wants to help transform blank walls into powerful art with the Spray It Forward mural program,” said Vivika Panagiotakakos, the company’s director of PR and Corporate Relations. “This impactful initiative brings together artists and nonprofits to celebrate creativity, cultural storytelling and meaningful neighborhood connections by bringing bold visions to life using Rust-O spray paint.
“The 5,000 square-foot mural featuring the iconic Kenosha lakefront is the first “Spray It Forward” mural in Wisconsin and a stunning example of how big dreams, vibrant art, and collaborative action can uplift a community.”
Three of the nine planned murals have already been completed:
• “The Place of the Pike,” by artist Julio Loyola, of Mexico City, Mexico, painted on the east side of the former Kenosha National Bank Building, 625 57th St.
• “Kenosha Kraken,” by artist Leeanna Chipana, Kenosha, on the west wall of Modern Apothecary, 5700 Sixth Ave.
• “Proudly Made in Kenosha, designed by Kevin Hannaman and painted by artist Dean Tawwater, Kenosha, on the south wall of the former Kenosha Theatre, Sixth Avenue and 60th Street.
The additional murals, which will be completed when funds are raised, are:
• “K-Town,” by artist Kelly Witte, Kenosha
• Community Mural Painting Workshop, led by artists Don Krumpos and Erin LaBonte of Yonder, an art space, Algoma, Wis.
• “Frida y Diego en Kenosha: Un Beso para el Futuro,” by artist Mauricio Ramerez, Milwaukee
• “The River Remembers,” by artist Sylvia Hect, Osceola, Wis.
• “The Wooly Mammoth,” by artist Drew Etienne, Indianapolis, Ind.
• A work to be designed in cooperation with the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism and community members, by artist Tia Richardson, Milwaukee.
Event Highlights:
• Live Music:
o Malcolm Wright Music, 1-3 p.m.
o Spirit Shakers, 5-7 p.m.
• Food Vendors:
o Aragon Tacos Borrachos
o Mr. Wings
o Rica Arepa