City looking for artists to create small murals in downtown project
Wanted: Artists interested in bringing beauty to a downtown spot that has long been an eyesore.
Texarkana Arts and Historic District is recruiting 15 to 20 artists of any skill level to create mini-murals at 116 W. Broad St., where until last year a former Kress department store lay in ruin. Now a paved lot, the property is flanked by large brick walls that will become the artists’ outdoor gallery.
The public is invited to an information meeting on the project at 5:30 p.m. May 31 at Texas-side City Hall, 220
Texas Blvd. Mural proposals are due by 5 p.m. June 13 and should include a sketch, estimated cost and artist contact information. Proposals may also include samples of artists’ previous work.
The Arts and Historic District Committee will select designs to be used. The hope is to complete all murals by the end of summer.
“We don’t have a ton of funding for the space, but I do think we can make it visually interesting for visitors to our downtown,” said Lisa Thompson, city communication and economic development manager, in an email introducing the idea to potential participants.
Thompson’s vision is to “attract photographers, visitors, and locals to the space to take photos or selfies, enjoy the art, and hopefully spend time exploring downtown.”
The preliminary plan is for each finished piece of artwork to measure about 10 feet tall by 10 to 12 feet wide, depending on design.
“One thing to keep in mind is that these murals likely will not be permanent, but will hopefully stay up for around 5 years, depending on the changing use of the space in the future, materials, quality, and other factors. The work will be enjoyed for a season, and thus should be fun, trendy, and vibrant,” Thompson said.
The city will prepare the walls and fund supplies but will not be able to pay for labor. Artists will supply their own ladders and drop cloths.
For more information, email Thompson at lisa. thompson@txkusa.org.