For several years, Community Arts of Elmira has sponsored efforts to brighten the city with various public mural projects, and the group will celebrate those successes at the end of this month.
Community Arts will host its seventh “Mural Fest” from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 30 on Clemens Square in downtown Elmira. The event is free and open to the public.
Mural Fest will celebrate the opening of Elmira Infinite Canvas Public Art Storytelling Season, which recognizes artists’ installation of transformational, public art muraling that “uplifts blank or blighted spaces to welcoming, interactive community places of vibrant public art,” according to a Community Arts news release.
Community Arts of Elmira launched Mural Fest in 2020. The first year it only involved artists painting murals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the latest event will involve much more public interaction, according to Community Arts President Lynne Rusinko.
“Mural Fest is designed to be free and interactive, evolving this year with community participation in the public art storytelling through stenciling,” Rusinko said. “The event is unique in that it launches an entire season of mural making, even though it’s a one-day event, and then that mural making lasts for years to come.
“In particular, the creativity has both a local and far-reaching impact,” she added. “Locally, the collaboration between the professional muralists and the community members who have registered to stencil is an empowering, connective, immersive experience that builds community, along with the art vendors, musicians, organizations, restaurants and visitors.”
Beyond the local community, Rusinko said the mural endeavors heighten Elmira’s status as a magnet of arts and culture.
Another aspect of Mural Fest is the kickoff of a project to add color to The Promenade, a walkway along Elmira’s historic railroad viaduct, which cuts through the heart of downtown.
Murals and stories along The Promenade will be added in four phases to tell the story of the Elmira community, with the first phase focused on the Chemung River and its native wildlife.
“In 1934, this railroad line was raised/elevated from the ground to its current height. Years ago, the city worked to make it ‘clean, bright and safe’ by adding lights and other upgrades at that time,” said Chemung County legislator Brent Stermer, a longtime supporter of the arts in Elmira. “Now, it’s time to rebirth and honor The Elmira Promenade with the story of the Chemung River, uplifting the historic walking corridor for the community and visitors alike.”
Mural Fest will also feature live music, Bobby K Entertainment, food and creative vendors, and stenciling competitions.
People can sign up online to take part in the stenciling activities, and vendor applications are still being accepted. Vendors who want to take part can also register online.
For more information on Mural Fest, go to communityartsofelmira.com.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: ‘Empowering, connective, immersive’ Mural Fest returning to Elmira
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
