Mural #2 Update:

Work continues on Mural #2...

Here's an update in the form of a sneak preview...

Second Mural in progress...

After a couple of months of coordinating, here is a sneak preview of a solo artist beginning the second mural of my project over this past weekend. I'd like to keep the artist and location under wraps until it's officially finished, but enjoy these teaser pics. The artist should complete the painting in 2-3 weeks, since he is only available to work on it on weekends. I'm very happy to see a second mural beginning, and will continue my efforts to bring more art to the public.

Update: nothing official to report just yet...

I realize there haven't been any updates, as I am not ready to officially announce the next project just yet. Some people are waiting to hear something, as evidenced by one reader's email:

"I am not sure if you got my first email. If there is no new news on the mural project other than what you have posted on your blog that is fine, but I would appreciate a response. Community support is important for things like this and that is what I am trying to provide. I am a home and business owner in this town and am looking for creative ways to support this town.

Thank you in advance for your response."

I don't like to get ahead of myself by announcing my next location or artist before things are 100% confirmed. If things don't follow through, it's more than just myself that is disappointed. 

One of the most difficult factors in the mural equation is getting wall space. Some of the business owners I've approached for a wall don't understand the value that public art would provide to their community. It's possible they think I'm asking permission to tag their walls with graffiti.

A reader of the Jersey Journal article asked me to further explain my project. Below is my response, which explains the foundation for my project, and the goals I hope to achieve:

"I believe that the murals are more than just a large public piece of art for the public to enjoy. My idea was that not only could the murals beautify the city, but that by selecting the world's top contemporary artists, Jersey City could benefit from all of the media exposure that would follow the progression of my mural program. I felt that by promoting these murals by famous artists, Jersey City would become a destination for art-loving tourists from around the globe, as well as Manhattan and the boroughs, which in turn, would create new revenue in our local economy. Public art is not only good for the residents of the neighborhoods, but also great for the surrounding businesses. Feel free to ask Hudson County Art Supply how the response to the mural has been. They would know best. I've already heard from the owner that people have come from New York City to see the mural in person. 

I also believe that by giving a gift of art to a neighborhood, you are creating something that all of the diverse residents of a community can be proud of. If a community is proud of their new mural, they won't want to see it damaged. My hope is that the same pride extends beyond the wall of the mural to their entire community, which would result in cleaner and safer neighborhoods. 

My goal is that these public murals will result in a cleaner, safer, healthier, vibrant and colorful city."

If any readers know of a business or residence that would like to contribute wall space for a public mural, be sure to let me know. 

Thank You,

Dylan

Introduction + First Mural completed 3/19/09

A few months ago I had an idea to bring together my favorite contemporary artists to contribute large beautiful pieces of art in public space for all of my city to enjoy...

On Tuesday March 17, my big idea materialized before me as I watched my Jersey City neighbor Ron English spray stencils on the wall of Hudson County Art Supply at the corner of First and Coles Street in downtown Jersey City. This is the very first mural to take place since I conceived of this program in November 2008. My goal is to have 5 murals by the end of summer 2009. 

For the very first mural, Ron went above and beyond to make sure this project started with a big bang. He invited west coast artist Jason Maloney and Brooklyn's long-haired Kiss-lovin' giant, Bigfoot, to join him on a collaborative improv jam at Hudson County Art Supply. The results of their combined talents were nothing short of stunning, as the colors and characters were so bright and crisp, they looked like they were jumping off of the wall. 

One of my beliefs behind this project was that fun, joyful art could actually unite communities. I watched people of all ages and ethnicities stand side by side on the sidewalk, smiling as they watched the guys plot and paint. Several people from the neighborhood, who happened upon the work in progress, pitched in to assist the artists any way they could. I saw parents and children stop at the mural, go home, and then return with cameras to take pictures of the wall together. The diversity of the crowds that gathered to watch the live painting was my confirmation that art can bring all kinds of different people together peacefully. Even the mayor stopped by to give the city's nod to the project. 

Below are photos of transformation of the wall, and the artists at work. I scoped it out the previous evening with Jason and Ron as they came up with a very loose plan of their art attack.

Big Thank You to Ron English, Bigfoot, and Jason Maloney. Of course a special thank you to John, Carlos, and Hudson County Art Supply for their wall and generous donation of paint and supplies. Thanks also go out to Greg Brickey at the Department of Cultural Affairs!

Enjoy these first photos, which were taken by me, Dylan Evans, except the group photo with the Mayor which was taken by Irene Borngraeber.

Please give a photo credit and link to this site if you'd like to use them. (Click on the photo to enlarge..)