EAST LANSING, Mich. — A collaborative art project showing what the City means to its residents was installed this week in downtown East Lansing. Community members who share their favorite tiles from the mural on social media will be entered into a drawing for a prize!
The new outdoor exhibit features three oversize panels containing over 400 hand-painted ceramic tiles. Many of the tiles were painted during the East Lansing Art Festival in August 2021 in collaboration with the East Lansing Public Library. The centerpiece of each mosaic depicts beloved places found in the local community. They were created last school year by advanced placement (AP) art students Ev Holbrook and Ayla Schnepp from East Lansing High School.
“In East Lansing, you can be yourself much more than you can in other areas,” Ev Holbrook said. Both students noted that they are excited for the project to be in the community.
The tile art mural exhibit is displayed on the Charles Street-side of the Jackson National Life building, 325 E. Grand River Ave. Community members who post a photo on social media pointing out the tile they made, or simply a favorite tile in the mural, will be entered in a drawing to win one of two $25 Downtown East Lansing gift cards. Submissions must be made by Aug. 24 and tag “Downtown East Lansing” on Facebook or @DowntownEastLansing on Instagram.
“We are very excited for this project to come to fruition,” City of East Lansing Placemaking and Arts Programming Specialist Wendy Sylvester-Rowan said. “Community art projects add to the vibrancy of our downtown. We are especially thankful to Brock Barber from Next Level Tile who donated both his time and materials. He was instrumental in bringing this project to life.”
The tile art project was made possible thanks to the sponsorship and collaboration of the Downtown Development Authority; Downtown Management Board; Daytime. Nighttime. Anytime. Place Project; East Lansing High School Art Department; East Lansing High School AP Art Students; East Lansing Public Library; Brock Barber of Next Level Tile; and Carpet Studio.