Commission working to bring mural to Union and Walnut streets
The City of Allentown is collaborating with the Allentown Arts Commission to bring public art to the city, starting with a gateway mural between Union and Walnut streets, according to a Wednesday news release from the commission.
Allentown is joining other American cities to use art to restore neighborhoods and foster a sense of community. The public displays can also contribute to the economy, drawing creatives and businesses in, the release added.
“Arts speaks to the viewer,” Mayor Ray O’Connell said in the release. “Allentown is a great place to live, work, play and invest. We hope our public art will clearly display that message.”
Materials Conservation, a public art conservation firm, is spearheading the initiative. The firm is partnering with the city, the arts commission and the public art committee for a public display that suits the city.
Mila Sketch, an artist based in Austin, Texas, was selected to paint the mural because of her “bright, energetic take on our historic treasures,” according to the release. She’ll complete the project on a substation wall, which was donated by PPL Electric Utilities. The project, which began on July 4, will continue for three weeks.
“Creative expression can make a powerful contribution to the healing process of our community and has been embraced in many different cultures throughout time,” Jane Heft, Arts Commission Chair, said in the release. “Now more than ever, I think people will see the spirit it brings.”
Morning Call reporter Rina Torchinsky can be reached at 240-630-4252 or at rtorchinsky @mcall.com.