Garland District plans alleyway mural art showcase
After more than a year of planning, the Garland Business District is putting on an alley art mural showcase on July 27.
More than a dozen artists will be on hand showing off their various techniques as they add new murals to the alley just south of Garland Avenue between Post and Monroe streets.
The goal is to create awareness of the art alley and to bring both the community and artists together, said Julie Shepard-Hall of the Garland Business District.
“It creates a public environment people can enjoy,” she said.
Nearly two dozen murals decorate the alley now.
The Art in Action event, featuring live music and artist work, runs from noon to 6 p.m. A donation of $5 is being sought. Children under 12 get in free. Entry is at either end of the alley.
“People can bring their cameras and lawn chairs. Watch the artists paint, listen to music and take pictures of the murals,” Shepard-Hall said in a news release.
Money raised from the event will go to support the artists. Shepard-Hall said she hopes to provide $500 to each artist to cover supplies and their efforts.
Residential property owners on the south side of the alley have agreed to allow murals on some of their garages. Commercial property owners on the north side of the alley also are freeing up spaces for new murals.
Last year, the city turned the muddy and potholed alley into a paved surface, making it more attractive to art goers.
Among the artists, some are veterans of alley work, including muralist Daniel Lopez, whose creations are seen across the city.
The long-term goal is to extend the art alley for another two blocks to the east.
Shepard-Hall said the work of different artists in recent years has given the art alley a variety of styles.
Art alleys have become a popular feature in many cities.
A year ago, students from Excelsior Youth Center painted murals in the alley, including one panel that celebrates surviving youthful struggles.
Artists are encouraged to express themselves, but keep the images family friendly and nonpolitical, Shepard-Hall said.
The Spokane Art School, which is on the alley, plans to have art viewing on Garland from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as part of a weekly Saturday art event through August. A guest artist will be on hand each week.
To donate to the alley art project to support the artists, go to the Garland Business District website, garlanddistrict.com.