Residents can make mark on community
NORMAN — STASH will host an EDO Block Party from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday to benefit improvements to the 400 block of E Main Street in downtown Norman.
In conjunction the Norman’s 2nd Friday Art Walk, the block party is a family-friendly festival with yard games, a new community mural, music and more. Locals can enjoy snow cones, food trucks and DJ music throughout the evening.
EDO is East Downtown Norman, a new district east of Porter on Main Street in downtown Norman. This once blighted block has experienced a resurgence in recent years.
“Many of the buildings on the 400 block of E Main were empty or under utilized at the time,” said Rebecca Bean, STASH owner. “Now, all of the locally owned businesses are participating in a rebrand of the block. We hope that locals will be excited to come out to celebrate and help to help us improve the block with a new mural, and other additions.”
Locals are invited to help fill in a paint-by-numbers style mural inspired by the Oklahoma black swallowtail, Indian paintbrush and other Oklahoma native floral and fauna. The mural is a collaborative project of Oil & Clay Art Studio.
“Everyone is invited to paint and be a part of making this mural happen,” said Louisa Brewer, co-owner of Oil & Clay Art Studio. “We intend for it to be a celebration of this community’s creative expression.”
STASH’s featured artist for July is local painter Betsy Sieck. She is inspired by sunsets, insects, patterns and plants. An opening reception will be held during the EDO Block Party. Her work will remain on display in the shop through Aug. 9.