EAST LANSING, Mich. – Community members are invited to the dedication of local artist Julian Van Dyke's public art mural, "The Spirit of East Lansing: Sounds from the Streets," on Friday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grove Street Alley adjacent to Ann Street Plaza.
Van Dyke's East Lansing-themed mural was commissioned by the East Lansing Art Selection Panel and East Lansing Arts Commission as part of the East Lansing Artist Alleys project. Van Dyke’s proposal for the East Lansing Artist Alleys mural was selected from a group of 15 proposals submitted by talented Michigan artists. The 32' x 10' mural is comprised of three large painted tin panels, each depicting a different aspect of the East Lansing community.
“This is truly an honor for me to be selected by the East Lansing Arts Commission and Art Selection Panel,” said Van Dyke. “Being the artist for the project allows me to share the long-time inspiration I’ve always had to exhibit and give my contribution to East Lansing – City of the Arts!”
“Julian’s proposal for the project sought to capture the essence of East Lansing, which is what we were looking for when we set out to find an artist for the East Lansing Artist Alleys public art mural,” said East Lansing Arts Commission Chair Sarah Triplett. “We are happy to have selected a local artist for this project.”
After the dedication, community members are encouraged to stick around for the East Lansing Summer Concert Series kick-off concert featuring Starfarm from 7-9 p.m. in Ann Street Plaza. It’s free! Learn more at www.cityofeastlansing.com/summerconcertseries.
More about the EL Artist Alleys
The EL Artist Alleys project is the result of a crowdfunding campaign that successfully raised $47,285 in community funds last fall to revitalize and redesign downtown East Lansing’s Grove Street alley and the pedestrian alley in the 500 block of E. Grand River Ave. The campaign was part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) Public Spaces, Community Places program and the community dollars were matched by a $45,000 MEDC grant.
In addition to Van Dyke’s mural, a mosaic created by MacDonald Middle School students and members of the Prime Time Seniors' Program was dedicated on Friday, June 3 in the pedestrian alley in the 500 block of E. Grand River Ave.
Additional improvements to the alleys include the installation of new public tables, chairs, games, lighting, and landscaping. Learn more.