COLDWATER, MI — Artists, friends, family, and community leaders gathered Thursday, May 14 to celebrate the unveiling of the city’s student Art Alley, featuring eight vibrant painted panels.
Last year, the city transformed the narrow alley between South Monroe Street and the Tibbits parking lot into a lively public art space.
Attorney Ben Jewell donated his office building wall for the project.
Created by students from Coldwater High, Legg Middle School, and the National Art Honor Society, the panels will remain on display until next May, when a new group of student artists will refresh the exhibit.
Art teacher Chelsea Wilber coordinates the projects, guiding 20 students as they choose topics to represent downtown.
A visit to Jeannie’s Restaurant inspired a double-panel painting of tables, eggs, bacon, and a fork.Every class student contributed to the bacon-and-egg wall mural in some way.
Each year, the painted panels are swapped out, keeping the space fresh and evolving.
The Coldwater Country Visitors Bureau sponsored the project, helping establish downtown Coldwater as an arts destination alongside its sculptures, murals, and other artwork.
Sherwin-Williams generously donated paint for the project.
Art Honor Society President Maranda Walinski highlighted themes ranging from playful to personal and nature-inspired, showcasing students’ creativity, growth, and courage to share their ideas publicly.
Morgan Baker emphasized the importance of art in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
The city received a $16,000 grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for its Make Your Mark: Downtown Art Program for fiscal year 2026.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Eight new student murals fill Art Alley in downtown Coldwater
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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